What about a Supercross format for Nitro Offroad racing
03-03-2015, 08:30 AM
#1
Tech Addict
Thread Starter
What about a Supercross format for Nitro Offroad racing
This may be a little off topic....
I have been thinking about a race format that would be like AMA Supercross. I am a fan of Supercross as many of us are and thought that the format would apply well to Nitro RC for a special event. So what would make an event a "Supercross style" event?
Track design and starting method:
Having tracks with larger jump sections and whoops like supercross would be logical to include. A long start straight that could flex into a track layout with a land rush start would also be very interesting. I have seen starting systems that drop the cars to the track at the same time allowing the driver to rev the engine while awaiting the start. This would be better run on large tracks that can accommodate layouts and of course marshal safety.
Race Format:
I would think that running a Supercross style event would also mean a race format to provide a number of options to make the main event. A special event could limit entries to twice the number of positions on the starting grid....say 15 each heat or 30 entries or run qualifiers to seed the 30 positions. Each 5 minute heat would seed 2 direct to the main. The remaining drivers would seed into 10 minute Semi's that would then seed an additional 4 to the main. Then the final chance to get into the main through a 5 minute LCQ would fill the remaining 3 places. Then a 20-30 minute main to finish the day.
What do you think?
I have been thinking about a race format that would be like AMA Supercross. I am a fan of Supercross as many of us are and thought that the format would apply well to Nitro RC for a special event. So what would make an event a "Supercross style" event?
Track design and starting method:
Having tracks with larger jump sections and whoops like supercross would be logical to include. A long start straight that could flex into a track layout with a land rush start would also be very interesting. I have seen starting systems that drop the cars to the track at the same time allowing the driver to rev the engine while awaiting the start. This would be better run on large tracks that can accommodate layouts and of course marshal safety.
Race Format:
I would think that running a Supercross style event would also mean a race format to provide a number of options to make the main event. A special event could limit entries to twice the number of positions on the starting grid....say 15 each heat or 30 entries or run qualifiers to seed the 30 positions. Each 5 minute heat would seed 2 direct to the main. The remaining drivers would seed into 10 minute Semi's that would then seed an additional 4 to the main. Then the final chance to get into the main through a 5 minute LCQ would fill the remaining 3 places. Then a 20-30 minute main to finish the day.
What do you think?
03-03-2015, 08:38 AM
#2
This may be a little off topic....
I have been thinking about a race format that would be like AMA Supercross. I am a fan of Supercross as many of us are and thought that the format would apply well to Nitro RC for a special event. So what would make an event a "Supercross style" event?
Track design and starting method:
Having tracks with larger jump sections and whoops like supercross would be logical to include. A long start straight that could flex into a track layout with a land rush start would also be very interesting. I have seen starting systems that drop the cars to the track at the same time allowing the driver to rev the engine while awaiting the start. This would be better run on large tracks that can accommodate layouts and of course marshal safety.
Race Format:
I would think that running a Supercross style event would also mean a race format to provide a number of options to make the main event. A special event could limit entries to twice the number of positions on the starting grid....say 15 each heat or 30 entries or run qualifiers to seed the 30 positions. Each 5 minute heat would seed 2 direct to the main. The remaining drivers would seed into 10 minute Semi's that would then seed an additional 4 to the main. Then the final chance to get into the main through a 5 minute LCQ would fill the remaining 3 places. Then a 20-30 minute main to finish the day.
What do you think?
I have been thinking about a race format that would be like AMA Supercross. I am a fan of Supercross as many of us are and thought that the format would apply well to Nitro RC for a special event. So what would make an event a "Supercross style" event?
Track design and starting method:
Having tracks with larger jump sections and whoops like supercross would be logical to include. A long start straight that could flex into a track layout with a land rush start would also be very interesting. I have seen starting systems that drop the cars to the track at the same time allowing the driver to rev the engine while awaiting the start. This would be better run on large tracks that can accommodate layouts and of course marshal safety.
Race Format:
I would think that running a Supercross style event would also mean a race format to provide a number of options to make the main event. A special event could limit entries to twice the number of positions on the starting grid....say 15 each heat or 30 entries or run qualifiers to seed the 30 positions. Each 5 minute heat would seed 2 direct to the main. The remaining drivers would seed into 10 minute Semi's that would then seed an additional 4 to the main. Then the final chance to get into the main through a 5 minute LCQ would fill the remaining 3 places. Then a 20-30 minute main to finish the day.
What do you think?
03-03-2015, 08:38 AM
#3
I've always thought about a supercross start but the problem i foresee is the chaos and carnage with everybody trying to get first to the turn. but i bet it would be a bunch of fun to try one day
03-03-2015, 10:05 AM
#4
The FIRST RC PRO Was like this.
Ask any of the ol' timers about it.
Ask any of the ol' timers about it.
03-03-2015, 10:37 AM
#7
Tech Addict
Thread Starter
I agree that the starts would be a challenge unless the track was designed to handle a large wide field. Some of the supercross tracks lead into a more gradual sweeper which may be a better option. So track design is crucial.
Thing is many people are asking for land rush starts. More in Short Course than Nitro Buggy but they still ask. Others complain about the normal grid start. So you can't please everyone.
What do you think of the race format?
Thing is many people are asking for land rush starts. More in Short Course than Nitro Buggy but they still ask. Others complain about the normal grid start. So you can't please everyone.
What do you think of the race format?
03-03-2015, 10:42 AM
#8
Super Cross start ends up being a hack fest. Unless people have control of the buggy/truggy. I know I make mistakes and can hit someone and I am careful to drive close and not them.
03-03-2015, 11:18 AM
#9
Starts are wild but I like the idea of big jumps and a rythem section
03-03-2015, 01:49 PM
#10
Danny B at LRT Raceway (Evansdale, IA) is going to run his points series like a supercross for quals. I don't think he is going to do starts like SC. If you have get a chance to get to one off his races you will not be disappointed. Great track, great people.
I can't wait to race during a Qual instead of doing timed parade laps.
I can't wait to race during a Qual instead of doing timed parade laps.
03-03-2015, 06:27 PM
#11
Honestly, the traditional motocross format would be better. Rather than qualifiers, you run 2 longer races and score points for each race. Tally points and determine winner.
Of course the challenge with this would be that it's just not practical if you have more cars in a class than the track can really handle.
Supercross qualifying would be fun for a 1 off event.
Of course the challenge with this would be that it's just not practical if you have more cars in a class than the track can really handle.
Supercross qualifying would be fun for a 1 off event.
03-03-2015, 06:36 PM
#12
reedy race format is where its at.
Oh Im sorry r/c starts,,,,,pppffttt!
03-04-2015, 01:28 AM
#14
Tech Addict
Thread Starter
I would also prefer Heads Up racing over time trials. When you have a mix of skill level it really can impact your qualifier when a slower car gets in your way.
The Reedy format is interesting since it is closer to the Motocross format with points scored in multiple heats. The drivers are not always racing the same people and the advantage goes to those starting at the front of the pack. The gate start or land rush start is supposed to equalize everyone. 1:1 Short Course in the midwest (Crandon) also does this but they have to have multiple rows like Arenacross.
The IFMAR format is close as well. When I raced in Brazil we ran IFMAR qualifying which was not bad. Qualifying defined your starting position in the Semi Finals. Finish position and time in the semi determine starting position in the main. No lower mains so if you didn't finish top 7 in the semi you were done for the day. Semis were 15 minutes and the main were 30 minutes.
The Reedy format is interesting since it is closer to the Motocross format with points scored in multiple heats. The drivers are not always racing the same people and the advantage goes to those starting at the front of the pack. The gate start or land rush start is supposed to equalize everyone. 1:1 Short Course in the midwest (Crandon) also does this but they have to have multiple rows like Arenacross.
The IFMAR format is close as well. When I raced in Brazil we ran IFMAR qualifying which was not bad. Qualifying defined your starting position in the Semi Finals. Finish position and time in the semi determine starting position in the main. No lower mains so if you didn't finish top 7 in the semi you were done for the day. Semis were 15 minutes and the main were 30 minutes.
03-06-2015, 05:19 AM
#15
One way to avoid the slow guy messing up the fast guy during a qualifying race is to have timed practice. I have been at tracks that record your practice laps after you sign up. Then they seed the qualifiers by lap times. I think that is a really good way of doing it. There may be cases where a slow guy jumps lanes and gets into the fast qualifier but you could limit that by doing an average of say the fastest 3 laps. Not a perfect situation but I think it would seed correctly most of the time. Plus it may get people to sign up sooner so they get their laps timed. That can only make the Race Directors job easier and may save time in the morning before racing starts.