Jamie Sculerati wrote:
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: washburn <washburn@dwave.net>
>
> >Anyway, autocrosses most certainly are a navigation and memory exercise,
> IMHO.
>
> Unfortunately, I don't have a rule book handy right now, but I seem to
> recall a paragraph in there which says this isn't so. Either way, IMO, this
> is the fastest way to discourage new drivers -- it's hard to convince
> someone to return when their results read "Off Course, Off Course, Off
> Course."
Agreed. I'm looking at the question from a "being competitive" mode.
The course does need to be clearly defined so that it is obvious where
to go to stay on course. Especially at the beginning of the season. :)
I will note however, that when a lot of people are going off, I find
that when asked, they admit they didn't walk the course at all, or maybe
once. I try to make sure to tell all the novices as many times as I can
that it is *thier* responsibility to know exactly where the course goes,
from a competition and safety standpoint.
>
> >There is no way you are going to negotiate a course quickly if you do not
> know where you are going before >you get there.
>
> Quite true -- but there's a world of difference between negotiating a course
> quickly and negotiating it at all! The fast line doesn't have to be (and
> probably shouldn't be) obvious, but the general path of the course better
> be -- otherwise, the course workers are afraid to get too far away from the
> light poles....
>
Light poles can be island of safety in a sea of chaos! I guess my point
is don't blame your (not YOU, but a hypothethical you :) ) slow time on
the fact that a course might be complex. I will re-phrase the comment:
While it is not necessary, it would be very beneficial to completly
memorize the course. I personally like complexity, and you CAN have
complexity and drivers challenge in a course while also having it be
clearly defined. They are not mutually exclusive.
Patrick Washburn <washburn@dwave.net>
Wausau, WI Land of Cheese
95 DS Neon
Moooooooooo.
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