I also am a lurker.. and I cannot help but chime in now..
I perticipated in the RIU last year.. and Other than leaving the traction
control on, I did OK.. atleast for what I expected.
As far as the "Pro" drivers.. getting to put down 5,6,7 laps, change/check
the tire pressure, and do other changes to the car that any normal
"competitor" cannot do...(multiple times during the day as the track
condition changes)
That is what might be perceived as "unfair" to some.
I am sure that there were many "strategies" to take to do the best.. But I
just wanted to go out and have fun.. I just keep kicking myself because the
traction control was on.
My hats off to people to traveled extensively to participate in multiple
venues.. I don't have the free time nor the money to do that.
Have a GREAT weekend!!
joe
----- Original Message -----
From: "Caroline Wright" <gofazt@netscape.net>
To: <autox@autox.team.net>
Sent: Friday, May 07, 2004 9:54 AM
Subject: MRIU: Pro Driver facts vs. perception
> I confess that I lurk and usually don't post, but the recent posts about
the Mazda Rev It Up pro prompted me to come out of the closet.
>
> >>>Do you mean to tell me with all of the great drivers that the SCCA not
> to mention any other racing organizations that are out there, that only
> one person in all of the events that have been held last year and this
> year has beaten the Mazda Pro at the course.<<<
>
> Wrong thinking. Jason is a standard. He is used as a consistant
measuring tool. He is not a target to beat. Sure, Jason has the advantage
of several laps to dial in and yes he knows the course. Who do you think
sets up the course and chalks it? ... Jason, Jim O and Ron.
>
> Jason has a very very healthy attitude about his job. The truth is that
we have more than just one shoe who can do the job. At a pre-tour shoot
out, all the pro drivers put down laps. Everyone was literally within one
or two tenths of each other, so there was no one single driver who stood
out. The reason Jason is the index driver is because his other duties allow
him to break away and set the index. Everyone else is tied to a skills
course. At any time, we can pull up another driver who is just as wicked
fast as Jason (i.e. Coop, Chief, Fieni, Payne, Alsup, Prappas, Elmer,
Dilorio, Velez, Fanelli, Tolsma, Thek, and the list goes on....)
>
> As for the "beat the pro mindset," we don't mind it. It makes a good
story and Jason knows there are a lot of brilliant drivers coming out. It
keeps him on his toes. However, don't come to the Comp Tent talkin' trash.
It's not smart to poke the bear.
>
> This year at Houston, a certain competitor (who shall remain nameless,)
posted a strong score on his first lap early Saturday. That always prompts
me to interview the driver, or at least get the 411 on him/her. I
interviewed this driver and asked him what his thoughts were about his
second lap. He replied. "I'm looking at that index time and I'd be
embarrased if I can't beat that on my second run."
>
> As soon as he said that, I knew he'd choke. He would not improve his
time/score and lose the event. I wanted to tell him, but I held my toungue.
Sure enough, he did not come close within .5 of the index, and he also
coned. Oh well.
>
> If you come to compete at Rev It Up, fantastic!!! We'd love to see you.
And if you beat the pro, that's an awesome feat. But you should focus on
doing your best, because ultimately, this thing is designed to reward the
driver who is best for their event and finally, in the country.
>
> Caroline B. Wright
> Announcer/Instructor - Comp Tent
> Mazda Rev It Up 2004
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