B2O/Practice Pals League Race Friday night Oct 23, 2015

[Kenadian]

This Friday night we'll be officially half way through the Season meaning only 7 short weeks left until the League goes live.

A lot of work still needs to be done before we get there but the one outstanding issue we need to tackle is getting drivers to commit more regularly.

In 5 weeks we've dropped 2 due to attendance so please reconsider whether or not you want to be a part of this League so I can clear out the roster and get a true Driver count.

I'm nearly done the first iRacing League Video that explains to our YouTube Audience what the League is all about. I'll be using this video to help promote our League most likely on Reddit to start.

All we need is a reasonably sized grid of 8 - 10 regular Drivers to be viable. Assuming we can achieve this goal, it won't be long until the numbers double. We've seen this with regular running of Practice Pals and I have no doubt the same will hold true with League.

We need to get there first though so again, if you can't commit please speak up and I'll remove you from the Roster.

...

This week we'll be running Sebromg in either Club or Modified configuration. Road Atlanta taught us that smaller grids demand smaller tracks hence the alternate track configuration.

A substantial change to the format will also be introduced this Friday to bring us more in line with Blancpain.

The change will be how the race starts after the Pace Car leaves the track.

iRacing allows for the Leader to determine when the race begins but this is not how Blancpain runs. In Blancpain, the race begins when the lights go out so we'll be adopting this method.

Essentially, the lead car is no longer permitted to race once the Pace Car leaves the track. Any Driver who races prior to the Green Lights illuminating will be given a drive through penalty for or false start.

I realize this may represent a drastic change in thinking for some but if we're to use Blancpain Sprint as our template then this change is mandatory.

I think it will make for a much closer start and won't allow the leader to drive away from the pack in some instances. This should keep the racing a bit tighter which is always the goal.

I look forward to seeing you all on the track this Friday.

 

[Daunt]

While I'd love to be behind that starting method, I'm not sure how it would work. Remember when I got blackflagged at Midohio in race 1? I went on green, which was actually on the last corner and got blackflagged. Because as I started second, I was supposed to let Noel cross the start/finish first.

Sure we could have someone clear black flags in cases like that but is it worth it?

Other than that, hope to be there Friday! I'd be interested to run a short, rarely used version of Sebring.

 

[Noodleguitar]

I kind of like that new starting rule. It will make race starts more predictable and less frightening in a bigger grids.

There is the issue Daunt mentioned, which could be annoying if it happens. I don't know if it would happen frequently though because all cars will start at almost exactly the same time. Of course the 2nd car could be slightly ahead of the 1st car but then the question is when iRacing throws out a black flag. With any sort of overlap or only if the 2nd car has completely passed the 1st.

After thinking about short versus long tracks, I don't think long tracks are the main problem. The only difference there is that you will see less traffic that is a lap down or up. Same-lap traffic should be no different on a long track or short track, I think it just depends on the difficulty of the track.

 

[Kenadian]

I would have thought of anyone Kyle you would be the biggest supporter of this because it addresses your issue at Mid Ohio.

As Noel alluded to, it makes the race start far more predictable and levels the grid, something iRacing fails miserably at in its current iteration.

Your problems at Mid Ohio were not due solely to you going on Green, 3 things actually happened to spoil your race the other 2 being:

1. Not being able to cross the Start/Finish Line before the Leader and your unawareness of this rule
2. Noel struggling on the final corners and not launching on Green

These 3 reasons gave you a Black Flag and if we're to continue with the current iRacing way of doing things then this would always be a potential issue.

In the real world the Leader can have a poor start and the rest of the grid is not affected by this start. This is the way it should be because iRacings method of allowing Grid Position 1 to control the Race is ridiculous.

Drivers do not control the Race in Blancpain, they race within the confines of the system be it lights, a Pace Car or Flags.

...our system should reflect this.

Add to this the fact that Grid Position 1 is the ONLY car on track that can start the Race when he/she wants to. Everyone else, particularly those with no line of sight to the Pace Car and/or Start/Finish Line goes on the Green Lights.

This means the Leader is given an advantage that no other car in the field has and it's a bit silly let's face it. The Leader should have the advantage of an inside line to Turn 1 and that's all.

If we keep the current system as iRacing is set up for then instances like your start at Mid Ohio would always equate to a Black Flag. If we do it my way then we can clear the Black Flag and you would be racing for the lead.

Which do you prefer?

Also in the real world there is such a thing as mechanical damage or Driver error that leads to a poor start. This happens all the time in Blancpain and every time that car is left behind with no Black Flags served.

This change in thinking would accommodate for that very issue.

Essentially, we're taking the race out of Grid Position 1's hand and leveling the playing field.

Lastly, and this is the biggest benefit of all, the Leader can no longer take off when he's in the best position to do so. Noel demonstrated quite clearly at Summit Point just how much an advantage Grid Position 1 is when he floored it at the apex of the final corner.

The current system allows for a Driver to take the most advantageous launch possible which is silly. Only Grid Position 1 enjoys this advantage and it doesn't equate to a level playing field for anyone else on the Grid.

My system (Blancpains system) means:

1. Everyone starts at exactly the same time
2. Grid position is the only advantage any Driver has at the start of the Race
3. We can police false starts that much more effectively

The only issue that I can see is P2 taking advantage of this by not being level (or slightly behind) the Leader at Green.

In this instance we may have to suggest that P2 keep his/her front bumper level with the rear bumper of P1 to alleviate potential issues.

 

[Daunt]

I mean I agree that the the actual Blancpain system is better and the point of taking away all advantage from the leader, aside from inside turn 1. It makes sense to me.

I just worry about the implementation / how it works currently. More often than not, the green flag flies in some odd places. Mid-ohio is the perfect example because it flew in the turn prior.

If we clear the black flag then sure. If we as race directors want to worry about doing that, then sure. I like the idea for the sole reason that it takes away the leader's advantage, though some would argue he's earned it.

But to your other point, I don't think it's going to keep everyone bunched up like you think at most tracks because it really just depends on when the green waves. At Spa, for example, the green would probably wave when half the field is in the chicane.

We can try it Friday... why not?

 

[Kenadian]

The Leader has earned his advantage through Grid position only, he deserves no other advantage beyond that. It is unfair for one person to start a race with any other advantage over the entire field especially when it's as lopsided as it is currently.

Unfortunately there is the issue of when the Green lights illuminate and there's nothing that can be done about that. I really wish iRacing would turn the lights green when the Leader is at the Start/Finish Line but it doesn't.

I think we may have to clear some Black Flags now and then but it's a small price to pay for someone's race being ruined by a poor start from the Leader.

I think what we'll do to help alleviate this issue is have P2 keep his door on the rear bumper of the Leader just to minimize the risk.

Personally thought I don't see it being that much of an issue. P1 gets to this position typically because of reflexes and ability to get around the track quickly not in spite of it. My guess is we'll have to clear a Black Flag now and then but it's much better than the alternative which is ruining someone's race because the Leader got a poor launch.

As for keeping the field tighter that is my guess but we'll have to see. In theory it makes perfect sense simply because the guess work is now taken out of Race Start. Everyone goes at exactly the same time whereas currently that simply doesn't happen, the leaders go when the Leader goes.

This is the single biggest reason for a small pack to break away at the start and it's all line of sight based. Going off green means you don't have to anticipate the Leaders start anymore, you only have to worry about your own start.

Personally I can't wait to try it.

 

[Daunt]

The Leader has earned his advantage through Grid position only, he deserves no other advantage beyond that. It is unfair for one person to start a race with any other advantage over the entire field especially when it's as lopsided as it is currently.

Hey I said some might argue. I agreed that it should be positional only. Positional / preferred line into turn 1.

As for keeping the field tighter that is my guess but we'll have to see. In theory it makes perfect sense simply because the guess work is now taken out of Race Start. Everyone goes at exactly the same time whereas currently that simply doesn't happen, the leaders go when the Leader goes.

I agree completely. Check ups and everyone trying to time the leader's take off point, which could be anywhere, cause a lot of issues, backups and unfair advantages.

 

[Kenadian]

Ah misinterpreted the statement, my bad.

I know some will argue just as some argued against fixed setups.

Our goal here is to keep the racing as balanced as humanly possible while staying true to the Blancpain Sprint Series. Anything I can do to keep the racing closer will be done.

I don't know about you guys but this has been some of the longest, clean, competitive racing I've ever done. I simply cannot believe how close this racing has been to date and think changes like this will only help keep it closer for longer.

I guess we'll have to wait and see.

It's funny you mentioned checking up tho because I too wonder if this may help alleviate that issue?

 

[Daunt]

I would still argue the fixed setups if I thought you'd budge on it.

I have to imagine it would help with the checkups because those are caused when someone floors it then realizes it's not time to go yet and has to not hit the guy in front. So in essence no one should be jumping the start because there is a clear cut start that everyone is given at the same time.

 

[Kenadian]

lol

I'll never budge on fixed vs open simply because we've all seen the clear benefits of it already.

Not to pick on you Noel but the fact is I believe Noel's been reeled in a bit because of it. I think there's no doubt that Noel is the fastest of us but he's spent a lot of time in traffic to gain his advantages.

I like the fact that the fast have to put their talents to the test to come out first and it's resulted in some of the longest bumper to bumper stints with Noel in recent memory.

The real problem with Open Setups isn't just Driver related it's also vehicle related. I'm sure no-one will argue the BMW has nothing on faster tracks so could you imagine this disadvantage being exploited further in the hands of a capable Driver with a fast setup in a McLaren or Ruf for example?

Just like in the official iRacing Blancpain Sprint Series the fast guys would simply drive away from the pack.

Do I like fixed, to be honest, not really. It's just a tool to help level the playing field and ensure everyone has the same or similar advantages/disadvantages.

 

[Noodleguitar]

Not to pick on you Noel but the fact is I believe Noel's been reeled in a bit because of it. I think there's no doubt that Noel is the fastest of us but he's spent a lot of time in traffic to gain his advantages.

I agree. I was used to driving more aggressive setups so the baseline is a little different from that. I do quite like the current McLaren baseline though, it's very drivable.

But on the other hand all of you guys have also become faster and faster over time. On tracks that we're not familiar at the battles can go in all directions. I think I was only faster at Road Atlanta because I practiced a lot there in the same week.

 

[Kenadian]

This is actually why I've been preaching the benefits of Practice Pals for so long because we all win using that system.

For someone like you it can't help your speed all that much, if at all, but it can help your overall racecraft. I hope you don't mind my saying (and I say it with the utmost of respect) but I think you've become a smarter Driver because of it.

You don't stick your nose in like you used to and I really noticed this at Mid Ohio. Your racing there was amazing and I really wish you wouldn't have lost in on the final turn because what a battle that was. Side by side through several corners in the most technical part of the track, that was truly awesome!

...and it was squeaky clean too.

For guys like me, I've never been speedy on track. The only thing I have going for me is I practice consistency all the time. I've learned from guys like you how to find time on track and from guys like Marc and Davey on how to carry more speed through the corner.

Unfortunately every tenth I gain I lose in consistency so you all are there to help keep me improving.

I do think RA was a case though of a fast car exploiting it's advantage. I know you practiced a lot but I don't know if Davey did and he was miles up the road as well.

This is why I was hoping to keep the faster tracks small until our Grid grows. Smaller tracks tend to yield a better balance between all 4 cars IMHO.

Anyway, we'll make the decision on Friday what to run. This last minute decision process has worked quite well up to this point lol.

Incidentally, I've started a new Season so please nobody create Races based from it. The last few Seasons scoring has been very negatively impacted by my lack of skill in creating sessions.

Hopefully I'm past that now.

 

[Daunt]

I'll be on tonight for sure. Hope we'll have a good turn out!

 

[Daunt]

So the club circuit made for some close racing and a great broadcast, so that is what I finally got around to making it. I was only part of the Quali race so that's what I used. Sorry if it doesn't seem like I didn't pay much attention to your car, I just kept an eye on the leaders for the most part. I'll do another broadcast-type video like this real soon.

Please like, comment on youtube, and subscribe!
[video=youtube;mQZWPPIQzbo]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQZWPPIQzbo[/video]

 

[Jerad]

First minute in... there's me going straight into a wall! rofl.

I was so salty about that race.