With all the new people (including myself) racing at MARCCA, I'm wondering if we could politely explain some basic driver etiquette rules.

Here is a link to some racing etiquette, there are some nice graphics explaining corner turn-in rights too:

http://homepage.powerup.com.au/~phil...driver_beh.htm

While that is a lot of reading, maybe we could make up a little sheet that would explain the basics that new drivers may not be aware of.

A couple of my pet peeves are:

1. It is never acceptable to hit the car in front of you. If you accidently do and cause a position change, let him back in front.
2. Turn in rights. If you are behind at the turn in you should not try to overtake. (unless he makes a mistake)
3. When somebody is clearly faster than you, let them by.
4. Do not drive reverse course and cause an accident.
5. Do not place your car (or stop) on the track where drivers may hit you.


We could maybe just make up a small list (approved by the board) and hand out copies and/or post them at the track.

I don't claim to know what form this information should be in - a posting at the track, an explanation to new drivers. To myself, it's common sense.

A few times I've simply pulled my car from the track in frustration - it really can ruin your mojo getting hacked four times within a single lap. Moreover, some drivers honestly don't realize what they are doing.

There is a distinction, I think, between good driving and good etiquette - they are two mutually exclusive notions. I'm not the best driver, but I always make a conscious effort to respect line ownership and position, it simply results in a better racing experience for everyone involved.

We all know a couple of the most common violations:

1. Car behind you is over powered and tags your rear quarter and spins you out because he overshot the apex. This guy doesn't know what the term "lift" means!

2. Same car, in front of you this time, overshoots the turn and has to go wide (again, no lift), you duck under to excape this menace. Then at that moment, he realizes, when you are a half car length ahead of him, that he wants "his" line back. Uhhh, not your line anymore...you gave it up when you drove off into oblivion.

3. C'mon, I'm ready to lap you - can you throw me a bone?

You'ld think it would be common sense, wouldn't ya.

You'd be surprised how few people don't follow the "rules" of etiquette, even at the highest levels of racing. Many people have it in their head that they are better than their finishing times indicate, so they refuse to pull aside unless the announcer calls it.

There are other times, though, where one guy yells "hack" when the other guy just made a mistake. Not everybody who overshoots a corner intended to take out the guy in front of him. In fact, I'd say that in most cases, this is probably what happens; so before you start yelling at somebody for hacking, make sure they really deserve it.

In 17 years of racing I still find it almost impossible to hit somebody when I am trying to.

Yea, it's tough when you try, and easy when you don't. And then you get dubbed a hacker.

Oh well, that's racing.

But when somebody is consistantly doing the same bad thing, does not say sorry, I assume they don't know any better. We all make mistakes and when I do, I say sorry and let the person back in front. This guy is like a hit and run!

Recently I have resorted to an eye for an eye with this guy. I don't have any problem hitting him.

Sounds like you've been Lenny'd.

Heh, same basic driving style, different guy.

lenny'd lhahhaaahhaah

i think that is called a marcca pass....

You mean a "MARC"ca pass right? Good pun.

Lenny is still racing there? will wonders never cease!

Futureal,

I'm not suggesting we create a policy of intolerance, but this is a matter of habitual intent - if that makes any sense.

If your style is to strap in a brushless motor, and I have one myself, and simply rocket from apex tp apex, regardless of obstacle, there is something wrong there. That can be fun when you're on the track by yourself, but a terrible attitude when racing with others. As a matter of fact, it's not racing. I mean, isn't the very definition of racing, the challenge of it all, about dealing with vehicle and track conditions while negotiating position with other drivers? If all you know is white-knuckle throttle, connect your car to a teather and see if you can break the land speed record.

I guess my point is simple awareness - that is all I would ask for. I'm not a very good driver either, but I can race in the main with very talented drivers, that will, more often than not, come around to lap me. Yet, they all know that I have enough courtesy to allow the flow of the race to continue - when the leaders come up to pass, simply take the next turn deep and allow them to duck under. Certainly, there has been times when I drift the wrong way and stuff someone, but I think intent counts for something - a quick "sorry" and everyone is at peace with the world.

This doesn't mean you don't compete and remain fiercely competitive, but intentfully drive fast and clean to the best of your ability.

Yea, when I don't hear a sorry and no slow down to let me back in front or no attempt to let an obviously faster car by, I assume the guy doesn't know any better. I'm just trying to figure out the best diplomatic way to get the information out. Rather than go pick on a few people.