unprofessional conduct in the HPT team challenge

[zeroice]

Hi there,
I had a blast in the team challenge this past weekend and want to thank CCS/ASRA and HPT for hosting such a great event despite the scoring issues; great competition and what a great venue; can't wait to go back next year! 

On to my story...
I've learned in the past that my b1tching just gets me in trouble so I've learned to stay off the message boards in that regard... however this is one exceptions that's really been bothering me so I've decided to let the world know and maybe some will learn a lesson from my story!   Hopefully not to the detriment of my reputation...

I have a comment on the unprofessional conduct of one of the teams during the race (who shall remain nameless, but you know who you are!) I looked around the paddock for you to tell this to your face but I couldn't find you.

These guys behaved quite erratic and dangerous: entering turns inconsistently, not holding lines, stuffing in the turns, running off at least once to my witness (enter chicane), pulling wheelies on the back straights, looking around constantly in directions other than their line, standing up, kicking their legs out (stretching?), and a few more things I can't remember. They had plenty of motor so I couldn't get past them at times. When I got past, later they would just pass me on the straight...

Anyhow, I don't mind teams entering the Team Challenge for the purpose of practice for their up coming sprints. However, this is a race and I expect them to treat it as such. Our team didn't pull multiple night all nighters to get the bikes ready then drive half way across the country all night again just to goof off, so they shouldn't too. So this is a reminder to anyone entering the Team Challenge or Solo Challenge for use as practice, please respect the event and its competitors. Treat it like a race! Don't go off experimenting with how far you can push it in one particular corner and goof off on the rest of the track. That's what track days and practice days are for.

On a side note, personally I think this team should have been kicked off the track but I was too busy working hard on finishing well...

On a more long term suggestion, I think we could use some rules to regulate some of the entrants that practice and conduct their behavior in a non-sportsmanship like manner... I don't know what the basis would be or what the sanction would be.. Maybe something like 2 teams protest based on witnessing repetitive unprofessional conduct (behavior which is obviously non conducive to racing) of an entrant during the race and sanction them by stripping them of their points and purse (if applicable).

just my 2 cents...

What do you think?

[spyderchick]

I think you're cute when you're angry. 

Seriously, you need to approach the race director.  If the conduct was serious enough to be see by corners workers then they can collaborate your complaints for you. If you have a big enough crew during the race, have someone run and make the complaint so that the CWs can watch for any behavior during the event.

As far as changing rules, write up your ideas and send them to Kevin Elliott. They have a review at the end of each season. Good luck!

[Woofentino Pugrossi]

Seriously, you need to approach the race director.  If the conduct was serious enough to be see by corners workers then they can collaborate your complaints for you. If you have a big enough crew during the race, have someone run and make the complaint so that the CWs can watch for any behavior during the event.

As far as changing rules, write up your ideas and send them to Kevin Elliott. They have a review at the end of each season. Good luck!

Bingo.

I do agree with you Krishna, if they are just there to goof off and play around, they should just pack up and leave. No need to jeapordise other racers with that crap. Racing is dangerous as it is by itself. No need to make it even more by screwing around.

As for a new rule, there is one already in there regarding behaviour of the racer and crew. 3.3.3 in the book is on rider's responsible for his crews actions. And 3.4.5 for rider's riding responsibilities.

[Jeff]

Since it was a team challenge, you weren't out there the entire time and could/should have let the race director know (either personally or through your crew). 

In the past, when I've had issues with people being blatantly dangerous on the track, I've brought it up and it has been IMMEDIATELY addressed.

Rules in this area would be difficult since they're going to be vague, but there's no reason not to have it addressed as it's happening when possible.