Both events have a long history being run on this weekend every year. I would bet heavily that neither would or could move to another weekend. Both are outstanding events in their own right. If nothing else both events have proved that they both can pull acceptable fields despite being run on the same weekend. Life is full of choices.
-- Edited by Dusteater on Thursday 21st of June 2012 11:18:19 PM
The time is approaching when the people that run our great sport will start this painfull process of setting the dates for next year, Who will budge on the June long weekend. For me i would be happy if Sealake was run on the Queens birthday weekend, Would that work ? Or if they are to run on the same weekend could we get points from both, some would say that's not fair.
it was interesting at the Sealake presentation how many drivers commented on what a great event it was and how the number of competitors at the event should send a message. Well I wonder how many of us that were there, that loved the race, would go if it were on a different weekend. 4 or so weeks either way would still get me there. If this was the feeling among all the competitors there, because we enjoyed the event, then maybe it could be moved. maybe a survay of those that went would be in order. if drivers support it then maybe the committee would think of a move. Just putting it out there.
it was interesting at the Sealake presentation how many drivers commented on what a great event it was and how the number of competitors at the event should send a message. Well I wonder how many of us that were there, that loved the race, would go if it were on a different weekend. 4 or so weeks either way would still get me there. If this was the feeling among all the competitors there, because we enjoyed the event, then maybe it could be moved. maybe a survay of those that went would be in order. if drivers support it then maybe the committee would think of a move. Just putting it out there.
It may not be as simple as that. There are a number of different factors involved. A substantial part of the track is managed by the environmental department (DSE or soemthing), then there are the people who own some of the farms that are used who work around the track being needed on that aprticular weekend, you have the people who actually do all of the track marking, preparation, etc who set aside that time each year as it works in with their jobs (mostly farmers), where a month either side may mean that they cannot help as they are planting crops, etc. It would be great if it could happen, but it isn't always as easy as it seems to just change these things to suit ourselves
both of these events are held on the queens birthday long weekend , what happens when she kicks the bucket and there is a new weekend appointed when old charlie becomes the boss ?
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were we're goin we dont need roads.
it's not the speed of life that scares me, it's the sudden stop at the end ,
A record field for a national in at least ten years & the fact it's the 40th anniversary next year, add to that what we were told was a two year contract with an option of a third. I would say that Sea Lake would & should get the nod for the national.
Valid point, but it would be good to have both so could Sealake be run at Easter long weekend, because of the bikes i can't see Finke moving dates any time soon.
run both as nationals on same weekend having as a five race series where only 4 count to points same as droping worst race but you didnt race it. no biggy really. both races will get cars that want to go to them as they always have.
If they were run as Nationals on separate weekends would you fit 150 competitors (only 30 more than this year) on an 85km loop with a lap time of just over 40 minutes. A maximum of 5 minutes between the fastest most aggressive competitors to the slowest and often times most inexperienced competitors. Count me out of that one unless I have a big chunk of rubber on the rear and a neck brace.
As trekka said, it is my belief that the weekend in June is the only time of the year that everything comes together to allow the race to take place. In the old days when it was a national the track length was close to 100km, im not sure why it wasn't that long this year. Also in the very old days the race had well over 200 cars. I would think that 150 cars on the 100km track would work fine. The slow cars would be getting laped on their 4th lap but by that stage of the race many of the fast cars are out. From what I heard it worked well this year.
all good points guys. it certainly would be interesting having 2 nationals on the one weekend but. you could choose to run one or the other as only 4 from 5 would count. no disadvantage to anyone unless one event gets washed out. just think after one round you would have 2 cars leading the title
MIght make it difficult for the series scrutineer, series steward, series merchandiser, series media, series TV contractor, potential mainstream media attention ......
Splitting the series resources would be diluting not only the competitor field but everything else that happens it the background
to that what we were told was a two year contract with an option of a third.
Would love to know if this is fact or not because if it is true it means Finke will not be a National round next year or probably the following year either.
I have no idea, it was mentioned on an ABC radio interview by Bernie Clohesy I am led to believe. That said, we all know contracts can be broken. It would cause a huge lack of credibility, but it could happen.
There has to be a way one of these events can change their date, it would reunite the competition and put AORC championship back on the right path!Theres going to be too many competitive cars dodging the series, this isnt good for the sport!
