GRID SIZES FOR JUNIORS

Hi

I read elsewhere, where a good point was raised where Juniors entries at Parklands is getting huge as we know it is. Last week there were 28 startes who ran together, the previous meeting there were 36 who (thankfully) were split in to 2 grids.

How many bikes do you think should safely start in a heat before the field is split - 20, 25, 30?

I did a bit of a check on Junior entries since last year and a minimum of 72 different riders have raced once or more. The records are scratchy as PR have not posted all results unfortunately, but the real number is likely well over 100.

A lot of these kids raced once, and on rare occasions twice, but don't come back because possibly either:

a. They just do not like it
b. Their bike fell apart
c. They get spooked by the field size in their first races
d. They can't afford it

a, b and d are up to the individual, but 'c' can be controlled. Kids are the future of any motor sport and need a fair go to get their feel for it if they want and can afford to compete

Maybe:

Put Newbies at rear of field for the 1st 2 heats, and subsequent events if they wish to nominate to do so
Limit fields to 20 or whatever is felt safe for the length, width and condition of the track.

And then - how would you see a field of 36 entrants being split?

C'mon riders, potentials and parents - comments. There are a lot of tracks that could come on line in the future and comments from everyone now can only help those in control make decisions hopefully based on thoughts of those who are or want to be involved in racing

Alan

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By the way, these are my comments, not Phils and Steph's - so they are welcome to criticise me to the max if they want to 8)

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http://www.cyberbike.com.au/Calendar.htm

i agree that the starts are getting a bit big. I dont no what it is like for the other riders but i think that having big numbers in a race really seperates the good riders from the best. On the small track it does get a little crowded but that is racing. there is always goin to be the large range in talent but almost all of the riders are very aware and switched on so having the large numbers isnt dangerous.
once the numbers get over 25 on the small track i think they should be split into an A and a B class.
As long as everyone rides safe and controlled then it should be fine.

Steph #49 :wink: :lol:

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Steph #49
\'sic\' chick

The only reason i race is to let the guys know they cant have this sport all to themselves!!!!!

I agree with you guys 100% and I must say that the ladies class with (if I remember right has never topped 15 yet) it is a good sized class but you would have to split them up to at least 15 per race on the small track at parklands and I guess on the big track 20 isnt so bad I guess it all comes down to the track size on the night by now Parklands should have some sort of record on the top ten riders ad they should think about and if the class is split well then like you said Pitcrew A class with the better half and B class with the not so good what you have to remember is that there are a lot of talented riders there and also a lot of 1st time riders in my opinion they are as much of a danger to each other
I also think they should do some better weight control with the senior heavies there is way to much difference inbetween riders weight that gives the lighter guys a huge advantage but this one i want changed for my own benifit as i an a big boy lol

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Cheers Bill


Bikes Rule On The Cars

Why don't they split riders by skill, like do 3 laps and get an average lap time. If I ever went in races I would rather be racing people my skill and have a chance to have a good race (which I guess you can do with all racers on the circuit) and even get a position or something. Once racers improve they could move up a class or something. Have like A, B, C etc grade races? You could then have male vs females in the same race, because its going by lap times/skill of the rider.

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I leik faeiries.

That was me who posted the topic on another site.

It's probably a bit hard to split juniors into A and B grade as it would be difficult to get a handle on who needs to be where.

It was suggested on the other site that they be split into age groups
12 up to 14 and 14 up to 16. I suggested under and over a determined weight but going buy age would seem most likely.

It'll have to happen soon as the numbers keep on growing.

The lap time idea is great, and the transponders (according to PR) will
be the way grids are decided, if and when they ever happen, at this point
though, i doubt very much i am alone here, the money for the timing
system would be much better spent fixing the track. that track is no
way good enough for a national level event

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If it jams force it, if it breaks it was faulty anyway

nice sig raggi!

what are transponders?

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I leik faeiries.