F345 nationals?

[telboy]

Has anything been said any further about this posibility next year?

Its all gone a bit quiet. And returning to 10th next year wondered if it had been considered further? as I loved doing the Nats but there looks less chance nowadays to get in if you're not an F2/F1.

[MattW]

I guess from a BRCA perspective, it would take someone to propose it to the AGM and see what happens.

[Superstar]

That would be great!!! Kinda of a way to qualify for full fat nationals :D

[jimmy]

I'm in the same position - When I started racing just over 10 years ago it was EASY to get into nationals. I was probably an F5 or F4 when I did my first national and in my first full season I finished around 75th or there abouts in 2WD. I got into the D final at the final round in 2003 I think.
I really don't have time to commit to regionals but I really would like to see the varied people that nationals and even Euros bring. Sadly without doing regionals I can't possibly do nationals - which means I can no longer do Euros either.

Thankfully - there may be an answer on the horizon!

[luniemiester]

I personally think regionals should be held the same weekend as nationals. That way you don't get f1-f2n or f2 drivers who are already doing the nationals anyway racing them and others have a chance to get a better grade

Then at the end if season the bottom 30 national drivers are relegated back to regionals the following season and have to requalify for the EOS finals where the top 30 being given a place in the following years nationals

At least then the eos finals will be a real target to go for with it being a one off meeting a driver having a good day could just make the nationals the following year

[Stu]

I personally think regionals should be held the same weekend as nationals. That way you don't get f1-f2n or f2 drivers who are already doing the nationals anyway racing them and others have a chance to get a better grade

Then at the end if season the bottom 30 national drivers are relegated back to regionals the following season and have to requalify for the EOS finals where the top 30 being given a place in the following years nationals

At least then the eos finals will be a real target to go for with it being a one off meeting a driver having a good day could just make the nationals the following year

#+*%&£$ LOL. The current BRCA national and regional system is proven to be VERY successful, if it 'aint broke don't fix it.

Maybe something like the old 'Radio Race Car' series is needed, not clashing with any nationals or regionals (in the area the events are held). You guys that can't get into the nationals because you don't have F-grades could do this series (to get your 'big-event-fix') while doing your regionals to get an F-grade to enter the proper nationals the following year?

Anyone?

[Northy]

What a good idea Stu :)

[john333]

Hmmm, I think I can see where this is heading...........:lol:

[RogerM]

LOL oOple series here we come :)

[WHITTLER555]

Hmmm.......

I wonder??????:drool:

[chris68nufc]

Great.....that means no more national reporting unless the proposed series would miss National weekends? Sorry if I haven't read the posts correctly!:blush:

[Spencer Mulcahy]

For the ace idea that an oople series is it wouldn't be for just F345's to enter so we would still be in the same boat would we not. F345 nationals and the top 10 go to the F1 and 2 nationals and the bottom 10 f1 and 2 come down to F345 something to aim for like the premiership and championship.

[dbizzle5]

Surely arnt regionals just the same as a F345 national series. You try to do well in them to get your F2 and then you can do nationals? If you cant get an F2 at regional then theres really no point wasting your money on a national as your just going to do shit anyway!

Love the idea of a new radio race car series though. With a purely 1st come 1st serve basis so there is a mix of ability. :thumbsup:

[RogerM]

I don't think anything much can or Indeed should be done to the regional & national system in place currently.
Regionals are just that, regional. That means I don't get to race with my mates from tup norf or dawn sarf very much these days which I miss.

I think there 1/10th is big enough again to support a RRCi type series but it would need to be totally separate from licence grading IMHO

[/tobys]

Single day though please - a series of 2-dayers is too difficult for me to attend :cry:

[knighthawk]

I would like to see a F3,4,5 type series !
I think it has to be held on the same weekend as the Nationals for two reasons !!

1. so the F1,2's have their meeting and the F3,4,5's have their meeting and there is a defined break in ability.
in the regional type series a F1,2 can enter a regional series, but a F3,4,5 can't enter a National due to his/her grade

2. if the meetings are held on the same weekend this doesn't clog the calender and still allows club series to run !

A stand alone series that allows all grade will not benefit the lower grades, clubs and series need drivers like Lee Martin & Darren Bloomfield as they bring prestige the promoters !

The norm for any stand alone series is 20-30 spaces are allocated to team/F1 drivers before the event is even advertised, a first come first served biases is a myth

[mattybucks]

I would like to see a F3,4,5 type series !
I think it has to be held on the same weekend as the Nationals for two reasons !!

1. so the F1,2's have their meeting and the F3,4,5's have their meeting and there is a defined break in ability.
in the regional type series a F1,2 can enter a regional series, but a F3,4,5 can't enter a National due to his/her grade

2. if the meetings are held on the same weekend this doesn't clog the calender and still allows club series to run !

A stand alone series that allows all grade will not benefit the lower grades, clubs and series need drivers like Lee Martin & Darren Bloomfield as they bring prestige the promoters !

The norm for any stand alone series is 20-30 spaces are allocated to team/F1 drivers before the event is even advertised, a first come first served biases is a myth

If an oOple series is held the same weekend as the National's then what will happen to Jimmy's awesome national reports?

But then as you say the calander for the this year has been pretty full, then if you take into account the bad weather, and the unwritten rule about running a meeting on a regional day it's not left many other weekends free to race.

I for one would welcome another series not just as a racer but as someone who runs/organises meetings.

As we all know venues have to apply to run regionals, and Nationals, and if another big series would help some of those tracks that are currently not selected for national get themselves up on the ladder then that would be awesome. We for one would put ourselves into the hat for selection.

[RogerM]

So then, anybody up for trying to organise something?

If we put heads together now it might well be possible for 2013, last time this was discussed it was too close to the start of the season to make it a reality, at the moment it could be possible.

I personally think we should try and hold one event at a large non-RC event to help raise the profile of the sport with potentially interested people. Anybody got any thought on this?

Some things that would need considering (along with my thoughts in brackets), pleased to hear everybody's thoghts too, but please keep it constructive!

1) 1 or 2 days (personally I think most people would find 1 day easier and it would help keep the numbers high in the first season or two whilst it built in popularity)

2) Control tires like nationals / regionals? (again I'm all for this, know what you need for any venue before you get there and saves buying and carrying 20 diferent types of tire "just in case" which means more space in cars for lift sharing .. with the cost of fuel these days that is / will become increasingly important. Could have 2 or 3 options per venue, not all venues have to agree but my guess is they probably all would anyway!)

3) Number of events per series (I think you need at least 3 from 5 to count and 4 from 6 is better but more than 6 events would probably thin out the entry to individual events).

4) Limits to driver licences? (I say no, people like to be able to compare times to the Cragg / Martin / Yardy / Lee etc. of this world. I do however think that there should be a separate throphy / award to encourage the lower grade drivers in ... maybe most consistent so somebody with 4 x E7 results would beat somebody with 3 x A1 and an A2)

5) Impose limits on cells / motors etc. (I say keep it to the electric board lists personally, having scrutineered nationals I know how hard it can be to explain to somebody that their choice of equipment doesn't meet requirements, EB lists are rock solid and apply to almost everything)

6) Only 1 class per driver per event? (I say yes, leaves as many entries available for as many people as possible. If there were spaces within say 2 weeks of the event maybe drivers who had expressed an interest in running 2 or more classes could be offered a 'guest entry' in their chosen second class to fill those spaces but not for points. My thinking here is that it doesn't matter to the club if they get 120 drivers in one class or 60 each for 2wd & 4wd or indeed 60 drivers all doing both classes. Where it does matter is if we have 80 drivers, 60 of whom want to do 2 classes and 20 who want to do only one class who do we turn away? Not everybody runs both classes, in the Mid West region for example we get 20-30 more drivers at 2wd events than 4wd events)

7) All venues to be to national standard? (Again I say 'mostly yes', if your getting 120 drivers to a meeting they need somewhere to get something to eat / drink from and somewhere to use the loo. Would a large BBQ and a couple of porta-loos surfice? Probably. This means that any club up to running a regional would be able to 'step up' and run one of these events with minimal fuss, doesn't have to be one of the long standing / established clubs. I do however think the clubs chosen should have run a regional / large individual event so that it is proven they can run such a large meeting.)


I would need to discuss with Tony Meridith and the rest of the Kidderminster crew but I am fairly sure that Kidderminster would be putting themsleves forward for selection. I am fairly confident that Ledbury would be interested too.

Let the flames bit lit ... this sort of discussion is all good!!!

[john333]

judging by the comment made at the end of Jimmy's first post and the next 2 posts I would say something is already in the pipeline (I obviously dont know this for a fact, just reading between the lines)

[AfroP]

nationals are all about the competition and winning
what's needed is a series that's fun and less serious than nationals that's open to all and show cases the hobby as a whole.

an oople series held at different tracks around the country would be a great idea and would attract a wide and varied audience and give people that couldn't normally travel far a chance to have a good fun race meeting.

[footey]

deffo reading the posts by jimmy and the rest of us oople crew there must be somthing in the pipe line :blush:

[losichris]

How about OOPLE INVERNATIONAL SERIES 2013?
6 round series, 2wd sat/4wd sun on a first come first serve basis.
No f1/F2 priority
Maybe 1 track per region ?

[James]

:thumbsup:

[Br00kie]

oOple Rejuvanational

Rejuvinating RC in your region

[wrighty]

How about OOPLE INVERNATIONAL SERIES 2013?
6 round series, 2wd sat/4wd sun on a first come first serve basis.
No f1/F2 priority
Maybe 1 track per region ?


this sounds good

[Col]

How about OOPLE INVERNATIONAL SERIES 2013?
6 round series, 2wd sat/4wd sun on a first come first serve basis.
No f1/F2 priority
Maybe 1 track per region ?

this sounds good

This sounds like a massive amount of work. Who is going to volunteer?

[RogerM]

I am sure that there are plenty of people who would be up for helping. Spread the jobs out and it wouldn't be too much effort for any individual.

And yes, that is an offer to help!

[losichris]

This sounds like a massive amount of work. Who is going to volunteer?

Surely the club who is running the event has helpers. as it would be for any other event such as National/Regional.

[telboy]

I think it would be a good idea to go to some of the 'lesser known' clubs that are capable of running a decent size meeting. Get some publicity for other clubs. Other clubs that do regionals etc. that lots of people never actually get the chance to race at.

I think it needs to be done. It's not just the F grading thing. Lots go to (went to) the nationals for the atmosphere and a larger series would produce this and get people enjoying the weekend, making them want to come back.

If people dont want it to run on national weekends, instead of just letting anyone race why not have an invitation list which lets certain F1 racers compete? Or have 6 meetings and at each meeting have a different team bring there top driver to compete and help out the f345's?

[Skye]

Just been reading back through an early season report and it seems Jimmy was planting seeds way back when he was at the Stotfold National. Read the 'Jimmy's random thoughts' box near the top of the report... :)

[MikePimlott]

I think a F3,4,5's narional series is a good idea but how would you qualify for the F1,2's

I think to do this properly you would have to scrap regionals or make the highest grade at regionals F3.

This way the only way to qualify for the premiership F1,2's is by finishing highly in the championship F3,4,5's series

[danDanEFC]

If the idea is a national series, but a but laid back. Then grades don't matter!!

I see this dream as an addition to regional racing not a competitor.

[RogerM]

Mike I think the idea is to have another series. Leave the nationals as they are, leave regionals as they are but add another "national" series running too ... a bit like RRCi did back in the day!

[MikePimlott]

How would this solve the over subscription of the current national series ? It would not.

So is the idea "another national series for people who dont get in the REAL national series" ?

Id rather there be another BRCA series with a promotion / relegation type scenario with F1 and F2 in one and F3s F4s and F5s in the other.

Never gonna happen though.

[Spencer Mulcahy]

Mike has hit the nail on the head just what I was thinking something to aim for. And it gives us lesser mortals a chance of glory and being called on to the rostrum before you final.

[luniemiester]

Mike has hit the nail on the head just what I was thinking something to aim for. And it gives us lesser mortals a chance of glory and being called on to the rostrum before you final.

I personally think regionals should be held the same weekend as nationals. That way you don't get f1-f2n or f2 drivers who are already doing the nationals anyway racing them and others have a chance to get a better grade

Then at the end if season the bottom 30 national drivers are relegated back to regionals the following season and have to requalify for the EOS finals where the top 30 being given a place in the following years nationals

At least then the eos finals will be a real target to go for with it being a one off meeting a driver having a good day could just make the nationals the following year


Thats what i said (but got shot down for it lol!)

[Superstar]

Sorry but wasn't this started as an idea for a national series for F3,4,5's?

If you start another series on a first come first serve basis the same thing will happen yet again. Doesn't matter what you say the TOP drivers will be there and it will be a mirror series to the nationals. Two friends of mine have both booked for and paid in advance for the oople Invernational. They have been then turned down both years because they are not 'names' within the toy car world, even thought they are both YORCK members. The exact same will happen with this series. Im sorry but you might set out with good intentions but it will happen like it happens everywhere. Even if you manage a genuine first come first serve there will be people who miss out.

That's why it should be as first stated and how the thread was started a series for F3,4,5's as these days you cant do nationals if you aren't F1 or F2.

People keep saying everything is fine as it is but I think it is outdated. I think we could still have regional's and incorporate a F3,4,5 national series as a point scoring event as well.

[R666REW]

I think that the way it is at the moment works as it makes us lower drivers race at the little clubs to keep them goin with regionals, and would it get 120 drivers to a f345 getting every time as at times nationals arnt always full. I'm a f3 and have got into nationals for the last 3 years, if they split the serise and have them on the same weekend would just add a silly amount of cost as I share my gazebo with my brother and like spending time with with all my friends that I've made over the years and even if I don't get out of the bottom final at times you keep trying to get out of it

[Oscar]

This sounds like a massive amount of work. Who is going to volunteer?

People with a passion for having fun whilst racing I guess ?

[Col]

People with a passion for having fun whilst racing I guess ?

Absolutely, John!
But so far there is Roger, and... that's it

[Dudders]

Absolutely, John!
But so far there is Roger, and... that's it

I'd be willing to help out Roger. Would people really attend it though....

[mattybucks]

Mike I think the idea is to have another series. Leave the nationals as they are, leave regionals as they are but add another "national" series running too ... a bit like RRCi did back in the day!

Is there enough calendar space in the year, and is there enough people looking to race another national series, as well as regionals, and of course the current nationals. For the last few years the current national series has been well attended, and my thoughts are that people will enter that event and then the 345's if they were unsuccessful, especially if it shadowed the national calendar.

There no point running another series unless it going to well attended and successful.

If there's enough demand, and Jimmy isn't planning a 345's national series then sure I'll be willing to get involved.

[Mrs oOple]

Two friends of mine have both booked for and paid in advance for the oople Invernational. They have been then turned down both years because they are not 'names' within the toy car world, even thought they are both YORCK members.



I feel it necessary to step in here to point out that the oOple invernational has never been an event aimed purely at big names, fast drivers, top competition etc. Although we like to see the fast competition at the top end, we also pride ourselves on opening up the event to many drivers of all different skill levels. Indeed to achieve this it obvious that some of the drivers will be regulars on the national / international scene, but there have been many many more drivers whose names are not familiar to us and who may usually race at a local level.

Anyone who is sent a payment request for the event has already been offered an entry so I'm lead to believe your suggestion is contradicting itself.

Sorry, just felt I needed to clarify that!

[Superstar]

I feel it necessary to step in here to point out that the oOple invernational has never been an event aimed purely at big names, fast drivers, top competition etc. Although we like to see the fast competition at the top end, we also pride ourselves on opening up the event to many drivers of all different skill levels. Indeed to achieve this it obvious that some of the drivers will be regulars on the national / international scene, but there have been many many more drivers whose names are not familiar to us and who may usually race at a local level.

Anyone who is sent a payment request for the event has already been offered an entry so I'm lead to believe your suggestion is contradicting itself.

Sorry, just felt I needed to clarify that!

I think you will find the week running up to the event it was opened up on a first come first serve basis and people who had paid and not got a place were not offered one. Maybe thats wrong but thats how I understand it.

Plus someone who was heavily involved (what name names although he is a good guy) put his name forward in the secret forum basically saying this guy would love to race, he has booked in and paid straight away two years running and again hasn't got a place and asked if it was okay if he could race or if there was a place for him.

This was ignored!

Sorry didn't want to highlight this point but seeing as you tried to shoot me down. Just to clarify!

All I am saying is this goes on all the time so when someone says lets have a new series on a strictly first come first basis is isnt always the case. So thats why I thought it would be a good idea to have a series for F3,4,5's which is why this thread was started originally. Or am I missing something

[jimmy]

I thought we had over 400 entries for 180ish places? how is that number ever going to work? Go to the oOple race and see - there are few top drivers because we don't seek top drivers. We appeal to the regular driver who wants to have a good time - how can everyone come? Yes if Neil Cragg or Lee Martin want to come, we'll make sure they can get an entry - but don't confuse 10 people in one heat with an entire race meeting!

I do wonder why people have booked and paid but not come to race? seems odd :eh?: I think it's possibly their own fault if they've recieved an entry as we don't offer a pickup service :woot:

[Superstar]

I thought we had over 400 entries for 180ish places? how is that number ever going to work? Go to the oOple race and see - there are few top drivers because we don't seek top drivers. We appeal to the regular driver who wants to have a good time - how can everyone come? Yes if Neil Cragg or Lee Martin want to come, we'll make sure they can get an entry - but don't confuse 10 people in one heat with an entire race meeting!

I do wonder why people have booked and paid but not come to race? seems odd :eh?: I think it's possibly their own fault if they've recieved an entry as we don't offer a pickup service :woot:

He wasn't offered an entry. My point was this started as 'seeing as its so hard to get into nationals if you aren't an F1 or F2 why don't we have a series for F3,4,5's instead' Then this idea of a separate series open to anyone comes up but I used the invernational as an example to make the point it will be exactly the same and will miss the point. I wasn't having a go and the bit I wrote was tiny.

But instead of engaging you have both poked fun/being sarcastic in a bit of a 'who do you think you are' moment. Which is exactly my point right there and the real attitudes towards people who aren't 'known'.

[Benh]

Is it possible to import csv files into the majority of the racing software (this isn't a hijack, just a thought on logistics for booking in)

How about OOPLE INVERNATIONAL SERIES 2013?
6 round series, 2wd sat/4wd sun on a first come first serve basis.
No f1/F2 priority
Maybe 1 track per region ?

:thumbsup:

[jimmy]

I think you will find the week running up to the event it was opened up on a first come first serve basis and people who had paid and not got a place were not offered one. Maybe thats wrong but thats how I understand it.

Plus someone who was heavily involved (what name names although he is a good guy) put his name forward in the secret forum basically saying this guy would love to race, he has booked in and paid straight away two years running and again hasn't got a place and asked if it was okay if he could race or if there was a place for him.

This was ignored!

Sorry didn't want to highlight this point but seeing as you tried to shoot me down. Just to clarify!

All I am saying is this goes on all the time so when someone says lets have a new series on a strictly first come first basis is isnt always the case. So thats why I thought it would be a good idea to have a series for F3,4,5's which is why this thread was started originally. Or am I missing something

You are missing a few things - like a grasp on reality :lol:

This thread was started because of the other thread - the other thread was started because someone wrote a little piece suggesting the idea. That person was...........?

Taking on your daft statements, I don't think there's a race as fair as the oOple invernational - there's a broad mix of drivers from all over and THAT is what it's about. Why make it only for the computer literate / night owls? Why penalise people in business meetings who can't break off to register? Do you realise how quickly the oOple race would fill up and how unbalanced, unfair and naff it would be? It would be full in 10 minutes - how many overseas drivers are we going to get at that rate when they need to plan more carefully?

I wonder how you say you know things like there was a 'secret forum' and what has been said on there - but not know that such a series for less serious racers is already well into the planning stages.

[Stu]

He wasn't offered an entry. My point was this started as 'seeing as its so hard to get into nationals if you aren't an F1 or F2 why don't we have a series for F3,4,5's instead' Then this idea of a separate series open to anyone comes up but I used the invernational as an example to make the point it will be exactly the same and will miss the point. I wasn't having a go and the bit I wrote was tiny.

But instead of engaging you have both poked fun/being sarcastic in a bit of a 'who do you think you are' moment. Which is exactly my point right there and the real attitudes towards people who aren't 'known'.

Superstar, you are a bell-end.

[jimmy]

But instead of engaging you have both poked fun/being sarcastic in a bit of a 'who do you think you are' moment. Which is exactly my point right there and the real attitudes towards people who aren't 'known'.


You have it so wrong it's quite funny actually. I think you have a complex about yourself since you think we're poking fun - you say one thing and then deny saying it. IF SOMEONE PAYS THEN THEY ARE IN!!!! How much more clear does it have to be?

[Spencer Mulcahy]

Superstar, you are a bell-end.

Stu you are a leg-end, mad me proper laugh that.

[Mrs oOple]

Superstar, I think it's a real shame that this otherwise constructive thread about ideas for an F345 series or similar has spiralled into some form of accusation against the organisation of the oOple invernational.
Perhaps this is my fault for politely (or so I thought) pointing out that what you had suggested did not read correctly. This was by no means a way of poking fun at you, I just felt it was necessary to make a comment to defend the team who dedicate endless hours of their time to organising the event.
If an error has occurred and someones race entry was accepted, they paid, and then somehow this did not result in them racing then we need to know how this has happened. It would be advisable for them to get in touch so we can try to get to the root of this.

I feel it's somewhat unfair that you said I shot you down when I was simply trying to clarify the process. I think there's perhaps a series of misunderstandings here and hopefully we can resolve any issues with the racers who were affected.

I hope that clears things up a bit but I think this thread needs to get back on track to focus positively on the suggestions around a series suitable for F345 drivers and how to make this fair and accessible.

[Superstar]

Superstar, I think it's a real shame that this otherwise constructive thread about ideas for an F345 series or similar has spiralled into some form of accusation against the organisation of the oOple invernational.
Perhaps this is my fault for politely (or so I thought) pointing out that what you had suggested did not read correctly. This was by no means a way of poking fun at you, I just felt it was necessary to make a comment to defend the team who dedicate endless hours of their time to organising the event.
If an error has occurred and someones race entry was accepted, they paid, and then somehow this did not result in them racing then we need to know how this has happened. It would be advisable for them to get in touch so we can try to get to the root of this.

I feel it's somewhat unfair that you said I shot you down when I was simply trying to clarify the process. I think there's perhaps a series of misunderstandings here and hopefully we can resolve any issues with the racers who were affected.

I hope that clears things up a bit but I think this thread needs to get back on track to focus positively on the suggestions around a series suitable for F345 drivers and how to make this fair and accessible.

All I was trying to do was make a point about why I thought it should be just F345's in a series. As in people getting in who might not normally get entry.

Thanks for the reply. Looks like its been one big misunderstanding!

[Northy]

Superstar, please can you pm me privately the names of the people you know who paid to race at the oOple Invernational and then never got a place to race? as the guy who takes the payments I'd like to look into this.

I look forward to your pm.

Cheers,

G

[coleman758]

Lets do it!

The oOple Race was a great weekend, and was a credit to Vicky, Jimmy and the rest of the team. I was lucky enough to get a place this year.

If I don't get one next year I will still be going for the atmosphere!
But I hope I will get the change to defend my Beer Race title :D

If we could have an "oOple Race" national series it would be EPIC!
6 races in the year = 6 top weekends...

Simple!!



On a side note, Your friend who paid & didn't race did he not open his mouth and say something at the time??

[Mrs oOple]

Sorry but wasn't this started as an idea for a national series for F3,4,5's?

If you start another series on a first come first serve basis the same thing will happen yet again. Doesn't matter what you say the TOP drivers will be there and it will be a mirror series to the nationals. Two friends of mine have both booked for and paid in advance for the oople Invernational. They have been then turned down both years because they are not 'names' within the toy car world, even thought they are both YORCK members. The exact same will happen with this series. Im sorry but you might set out with good intentions but it will happen like it happens everywhere. Even if you manage a genuine first come first serve there will be people who miss out.

That's why it should be as first stated and how the thread was started a series for F3,4,5's as these days you cant do nationals if you aren't F1 or F2.

People keep saying everything is fine as it is but I think it is outdated. I think we could still have regional's and incorporate a F3,4,5 national series as a point scoring event as well.

Thanks Northy.

Sorry superstar, the points that you were making elsewhere in your post did get lost along the way.

I think that such a series could be worked similar to how the entries for BRCA nationals work, but perhaps without completely excluding all F1/2 racers.

For example, priority be given to all entries from F345 drivers, with possible guest heats for higher grade drivers if they wish to enter and if places are available. I do think that lower grade drivers value opportunities to race amongst the F1/2 drivers - what about a wildcard F1 placed in each heat for a laugh? then running in different finals. Just a thought.

In the national series the F3-5 drivers aren't excluded as such, but generally only likely to get in from the reserve list due to high subscription from top grade drivers.

[mattybucks]

Thanks Northy.

Sorry superstar, the points that you were making elsewhere in your post did get lost along the way.

I think that such a series could be worked similar to how the entries for BRCA nationals work, but perhaps without completely excluding all F1/2 racers.

For example, priority be given to all entries from F345 drivers, with possible guest heats for higher grade drivers if they wish to enter and if places are available. I do think that lower grade drivers value opportunities to race amongst the F1/2 drivers - what about a wildcard F1 placed in each heat for a laugh? then running in different finals. Just a thought.

In the national series the F3-5 drivers aren't excluded as such, but generally only likely to get in from the reserve list due to high subscription from top grade drivers.

You could allow a percentage of F1 and 2's, with the rest of the drivers being 345's. The only issue I can see is that if any series does not shaddow the nationals then the already heavily congested summer race calendar will be full of Nationals, 345's, and regionals. Add into the mix the unwritten rule about clubs not running the same day as regionals in the mid south region then the clubs who are not part of the series, regionals and nationals could really struggle in terms numbers attending your run of the mill club days.

[Frecklychimp]

This thread was started because of the other thread - the other thread was started because someone wrote a little piece suggesting the idea. That person was...........?



Erm me i think! :woot:

With dates being short in the calendar i think it still makes sense to run a series at different venues on the same dates as BRCA National series.

The only spare weekends i had this season were BRCA National weekends!

I think a fair few seem to be confusing the proposed idea of a 3,4,5's series as something that would be affiliated to BRCA championships and gradings... it wouldn't, That's what BRCA Regionals and end of season finals are for. It shouldn't interfere with the current system which works fine and is the pinnacle of the class and hobby, but leaves a lot of people not racing on those weekends due to high demand.

This would just be a stand alone National race series for drivers that wouldn't normally be attending BRCA Nationals due to not getting entries because of the high demand and high number of F1/F2 graded drivers attending.

Any series that gets us out racing at different venues and having fun with the hobby is a top idea with me.

The offer of help organising still stands Jimmy and crew ;)

[johnboy]

I think the idea of a national series catering for CLUB based drivers is an excellent idea. At the end of the day we do this hobby for fun( although some people on this forum think its formula 1). I for one would do the series if run by the oople gang as it would be run in a fun laid back way. Let the BRCA nats be for the top class drivers to fight it out and then have an oople series for the mortals to try achieve some success.

[peetbee]

Oooh, a secret forum! :o

I used to race in the old RRC series and would be interested in a new series along those lines.

However, I think it is a valid point, that if it was on a different weekend to the nationals then it would almost be impossible to find free weekends as there would be undoubted clashes with regional meetings.

[footey]

6 weekends like the oople invernational { COULD MY LIVER COPE }:woot:

[cmgreen]

I havnt read all the posts, but, just another idea..... if there was a series for F345's then what about the f2 racers who dont race at regional level but dont do nationals who would love to be apart of a 'oople series'??

[johnboy]

Why not forget about F grades thats BRCA events.

[/tobys]

What about people who don't enter the nationals because they can't make both days (work, family, other committments, etc)? Having single day meetings surely makes it more accessible?

The old RRCi series just set its own dates didn't it, without considering BRCA events? Running the same weekend as a BRCA National will ensure that BRCA Regional entries are not unduly affected.

[Northy]

..... if there was a series for F345's then what about the f2 racers who dont race at regional level but dont do nationals who would love to be apart of a 'oople series'??

And how would they be an F2 if they didn't do regionals or nationals? :confused::confused::confused:

[Northy]

Superstar, please can you pm me privately the names of the people you know who paid to race at the oOple Invernational and then never got a place to race? as the guy who takes the payments I'd like to look into this.

I look forward to your pm.

Still waiting..........

[mattybucks]

And how would they be an F2 if they didn't do regionals or nationals? :confused::confused::confused:

That is a very vaild point. :p

Maybe the best solution would be to shaddow the national dates but allow anybody to attend???

[cmgreen]

And how would they be an F2 if they didn't do regionals or nationals? :confused::confused::confused:

meant race at regional not national

[knighthawk]

What about people who don't enter the nationals because they can't make both days (work, family, other committments, etc)? Having single day meetings surely makes it more accessible?

The old RRCi series just set its own dates didn't it, without considering BRCA events? Running the same weekend as a BRCA National will ensure that BRCA Regional entries are not unduly affected.

tobys, you've hit the point here exactly !

The meeting or Series has to be held on the National weekends, this ensure that National Entries are steady and this F345's ( or what ever it's called ) gets racers that can't or don't want to enter Nationals.

A two day meeting does not call me as like most I have a Family and Job Commitment's which make it hard to give 6 or more whole weekend's away to racing.

[Northy]

Let clear this up a bit....

If you guys want an F3,4,5 series like the Nationals or however you want it, I suggest the best thing to do is talk to the BRCA committee about it and put in a proposal for the AGM.


There may or may not be some other series which may or may not be linked with oOple being talked about by a small group of people. I wouldn't expect this to be:

A) a huge series
B) run on national weekends - as some of the people probably want to race at Nationals


Two different things here that have got a bit mixed together IMHO.


Oh... and still waiting......

[mattybucks]

Let clear this up a bit....

If you guys want an F3,4,5 series like the Nationals or however you want it, I suggest the best thing to do is talk to the BRCA committee about it and put in a proposal for the AGM.


There may or may not be some other series which may or may not be linked with oOple being talked about by a small group of people. I wouldn't expect this to be:

A) a huge series
B) run on national weekends - as some of the people probably want to race at Nationals


Two different things here that have got a bit mixed together IMHO.


Oh... and still waiting......

This thead is titled 345 Nationals?

Is that official, as I for one, along with all the other guys i'm sure don't want to be treading on any oOple toes. Should we push for this series/start making arrangements.

[Superstar]

'This thead is titled 345 Nationals?'

This was exactly my point. How were we supposed to know there are all these back stories and plans in the pipeline. I looked at the title and commented.

Sorry for upsetting anyone, this was never my intention.

[jimmy]

If you take the thread title literally and not just as a loose idea then definitely. We have our own ideas and an F345 BRCA series wouldn't tread on any ooplytoes. :woot:

[jo90]

Couple of questions about all this as im new to racing in Off-Road this coming year.

Can you be demoted status if you do not qualify in the space of a racing year ? For example Driver A is F2 this year, next year they choose not to race, in 2014 would they then be F3 ? Sorry if this is stated somewhere, I couldnt find it though may be looking in the wrong places.

If you cannot be demoted though, or it takes longer than one year, is it not getting then even harder to get a national place at an event ?

Im not saying I would be F2 by the end of my first season, but i'd lke to get to the point and know as well that for that hard work I can get into a national event.

That then brings on the thought that an F3/4/5 national would be great for those wanting the national feel, but also racing against perhaps more closely skilled drivers. I know for me i'd want to attend a one off 2 day meet for this. there is the question of who would enter and should say the top 10 of each region be given first choice I guess, but im sure it would be well attended.

I've no doubt the BRCA team in off-road are doing a good job for the amount of drivers in off-road and coming this year to race as well. It wold be good to see something for the F3-5 driver though outside of regionals so they have a stab at something bigger.

Either way im looking forward to doing something different this coming year, and getting my thumbs back behind a buggy again which I havent done in nearly 15 years !

[TheReferee]

taken from the rules

21. LICENCE GRADES
The BRCA 1/10th Off Road Section will award driver licence grades as detailed below.
N.B. Where any percentage calculation results in a fraction, then the result will be rounded-up to the next whole number.
21.1 Demotion by a maximum of one grade is automatic if the driver has failed to re-qualify for the same or higher licence grade in the current year. Drivers that have achieved a ‘top fifteen’ place in the Off-Road National Championship Series since 1994 will not be demoted lower than F3.
21.2 Grades gained from the National Championships will take priority over grades from the Regional Championships.
21.3 Licence grades are calculated using the championship positions at the end of the National and Regional Series each year. All demotions and promotions will be effective from the 1st January of the following year and are maintained throughout that year. (e.g. a driver qualifying for an F2 licence from results in 2005 will be awarded that grade on 1st January 2006 and will remain an F2 for the whole of 2006).

[mattybucks]

If you take the thread title literally and not just as a loose idea then definitely. We have our own ideas and an F345 BRCA series wouldn't tread on any ooplytoes. :woot:

Cool,

Who's up for this then?

I don't mind helping arrange such a series but we need a team of people, any Volunteers?

A dedicated national overspill series run on the same calander dates.

Do we opt for one awesome days racing on a Sunday?

Should it be open for all to attend? The only reason I say this is some big name guys sometimes don't get in to the nationals and it would be great to have them attend a series like this.

What venues? Do we share the love and look for clubs that are not running a national/end of series final that year. Do any clubs want to put themselves forward for such a series?

Coverage/Race day reports - Does the oOple crew want to do this?

Should we approch the BRCA or should this be a stand alone series?

The most important this is that people/racers will support such a series, and want to attend.

[jimmy]

I couldn't cover it as I will be at nationals - our series will NOT clash with nationals. It was my original idea but the people that actually organise clubs and help run meetings are national level drivers. So it's not possible.

If you want to make it 100% for lower ranked drivers theres a very simple way - just ban all sponsor tshirts - done. No top driver will attend. :lol:

[trekkerkk]

hi.
from my perspective for me to travel half way up the country for a race meeting its really got to be a two day event 2wd on sat and 4wd on sun so its worth the fuel etc...


trekkker

[stuartw]

Many interesting comments in this thread - all suggesting/asking for an F3/4/5 meeting and/or series.
So why isn't the meeting at Southport ( for F3/4/5 drivers only) full, and without knowing real names, I would suggest that many of those who want this are not entered for Southport.

Stuart.
National 1/10th Offroad Timekeeper.

[jo90]

taken from the rules

thank you for the reply :) that makes sense

[RogerM]

Many interesting comments in this thread - all suggesting/asking for an F3/4/5 meeting and/or series.
So why isn't the meeting at Southport ( for F3/4/5 drivers only) full, and without knowing real names, I would suggest that many of those who want this are not entered for Southport.

Stuart.
National 1/10th Offroad Timekeeper.

That is a good question Stuart. In my case it was because I didn't want to take a place then have to drop out as I was expecting a major change in my personal circumstances that would have made all 2 day meetings impossible for me.

I was right to do that, as the unfortunate has happened and thus for the next few years I will be limited to meetings I can attend in a single day only.

I wish all my mates, especially the Mid West drivers, all the best for what is always a great event on F3/4/5 EOS finals!

[tyreman]

Cool,

Who's up for this then?

I don't mind helping arrange such a series but we need a team of people, any Volunteers?

A dedicated national overspill series run on the same calander dates.

Do we opt for one awesome days racing on a Sunday?

Should it be open for all to attend? The only reason I say this is some big name guys sometimes don't get in to the nationals and it would be great to have them attend a series like this.

What venues? Do we share the love and look for clubs that are not running a national/end of series final that year. Do any clubs want to put themselves forward for such a series?

Coverage/Race day reports - Does the oOple crew want to do this?

Should we approch the BRCA or should this be a stand alone series?

The most important this is that people/racers will support such a series, and want to attend.


Just a thought but why not use the proposed idea of a F345 series as a proving ground for new clubs wishing to be included on the BRCA race calander??

[adon30]

Roger is correct. Not everyone could commit to a series of F345's. The F1 & F2s are a dedicated bunch and are keen to race at the highest level. Some also have sponsorship commitments and other things that mean they travel the length and breadth of the country (some the globe!!).

As an F5 I didn't enter the EOS as I did not know what I would be doing this weekend as a 2 day meeting definately requires planning. As it happens I am now completely free, but didn't know that 2 months ago, yet alone 2 days ago.
Again good luck to all the drivers. Particularly my buddies from the Mid-West :thumbsup:

Looking at a series for F345 you have to remember that a lot of us are self funded. When you add travel costs and accomodation into meetings as well as the normal race stuff in can become an expensive affair. There may only be a few drivers keen enough to drive from the south coast all the way to the north west (or vice versa) for a meeting. I would imagine the majority of these meetings when (if) held would mostly be represented by the region they were being held in and a few drivers who would be able to make it. I have to question now attending some meetings in the far corners of the region due to the travel costs alone.
I don't mean to put a downer on it. It is just my thoughts as a lot of the posts have been adamantly for a series and I'm sure if it was within easy distance I would try to attend 1 or 2.