National B series

[Teddy truman]

Good or bad idea? just for those who dont make nationals?? kinda like a radio race car series i guess? and you can only enter one or the other.....????

[telboy]

I think its a good idea. i know it being done with the rallycross, and i think its good. It'd be a regionals but on a national scale.

[Nick Goodall]

Would be useful for me, as i recently found out that i'm still an F5!!!!!!! I was hoping to do a couple of Nats this year having finished in an F2/F3 position in the regionals but as i only did 2 of them i didn't do enough to count which is gutting.

Looks like i'll have to try and do the regionals and possibly finals again at the end of the year for some properly attended racing!

[Southwell]

It's a good idea. I'd love RRC series back though, i used to enjoy doing them!

[Teddy truman]

yeah thats the kinda thing! like regionals i guess but more spread around and means more....??? could be B.R.C.A Bseries or summit.

[Lee]

Sounds good to me, everyone enjoys nationals but i think if it were done if you win the nat B series you have to enter the A series the next year.

You dont want people dropping down or staying in the B series so they can win.:)

[mole2k]

I think given the oversubscribed nature of the nationals it could be good and work like another stepping stone, as long as it didnt detract to much from the nationals (unlikely i guess) or from regionals (quite possibly).

It would be good to have the motions of starting at club racing, then doing your regionals, then National B to properly groom you for the top level nationals.

[Teddy truman]

Sounds good to me, everyone enjoys nationals but i think if it were done if you win the nat B series you have to enter the A series the next year.

You dont want people dropping down or staying in the B series so they can win.:)


yeah top 10 auto qual for Nationals if they want it....:thumbsup:

[jim76]

i think that would be a good idea as a lot of drivers who are F3 or F4 may struggle to get entry to all National rounds.
It could essentially be a series of F3/4/5 meetings (making the end of season final a bit redundant) with the top 10-20 being awarded an F2 license etc.

downside is it could detract from regional numbers

[antnee]

like GP2?

[Teddy truman]

no more that what national do now i would think. most people who do nationals still do local regionals.

[Wraggy]

Looks like i'll have to try and do the regionals and possibly finals again at the end of the year for some properly attended racing!

finals !!!! it will be a clean sweep this year mate if you do end of years finals :(...

[Nick Goodall]

finals !!!! it will be a clean sweep this year mate if you do end of years finals :(...

Wouldn't want to say that mate, if i do any it will only be the F2's as i get married on the date of the F3's haha

I just miss being able to do the meetings where there are 80+ drivers there, that's why i'd really have liked to be able to do a couple of the nationals just to see how i got on again.

It's a shame that if you win the F2's you don't automatically at least get an F2 license? Even an F3 would have been fine but now i'm stuck as an F5 again there's no point in entering any Nat's.

[burgie]

I actually looked into organising such a series, but it is such a massive task, and with my wife becoming ill, I just could not go ahead with it.

BUT

When I spoke to the Radio Race Car chap (his name escapes me right now) he said that the magazine would be in favour of supporting such a series once more.

It was suggested that i contact all clubs with a decent permanent track and ask if they would be prepared to hold a meeting ON THE SAME WEEKEND as the BRCA Nationals.

Once all of the clubs were selected, then RRCi would then take over the sponsorship deals, trophies and magazine support of the series.

The booking in would need to be done centrally, and the clubs would be responsible for providing race control, numbers & organisation etc., so it would be a good "proving" ground for those clubs that have thus far been denied a National, as long as all other National Criteria is met of course.

This I feel would be a large yet easy enough task to fulfill, and the booking in could be done on-line etc., with the clubs involved receiving automated entry lists etc., so it could also be done for very little outlay by whoever has the ability and time to set it all up!

[Wraggy]

It's a shame that if you win the F2's you don't automatically at least get an F2 license? Even an F3 would have been fine but now i'm stuck as an F5 again there's no point in entering any Nat's.
yeah i know what you mean Nick , its a little unfair in situations as like yours is mate. i was in the same situation as you were last year mate, but did at least manage entry to a couple of them...
fingers crossed mate , will be good to see you in them ..:thumbsup:

[Nick Goodall]

A return of the old RRCi series sounds like a blinding idea, they were great meetings to do inbetween Nat's - Good for trying different tracks, and were always really well attended! I remember them being just about as big as the Nat's years ago - all the big names would randomly turn up (Craig, Kevin Moore etc) - They were some good meetings.

Totally off topic but I remember a round at Cheltenham in 1995 when the B2 had just won the worlds in Japan, and the UK guys turned up with them (CraigD, John Tucker, Dan Marson to name a few) and the car was cool - Craig was struggling all day when it suddenly chucked it down for the last round and he went out and put it in the A final - I was completely in awe of that, really impressed me!

Bring back the RRCi series :lol:

[Evo_Snr]

Would be useful for me, as i recently found out that i'm still an F5!!!!!!! I was hoping to do a couple of Nats this year having finished in an F2/F3 position in the regionals but as i only did 2 of them i didn't do enough to count which is gutting.

Looks like i'll have to try and do the regionals and possibly finals again at the end of the year for some properly attended racing!

Check with Paul W. as you don’t have to do all the scoring to count towards your “F” grade.If you scored enough points with 2 rounds, then that’s you grade.
Hope this helps

[Northy]

I think if this was to happen they would have to be run on the same weekend as the Nationals. I'm finding it really hard to try and fit in the NE regionals with all the Nationals, RallyX event etc.

G

[Nick Goodall]

Check with Paul W. as you don’t have to do all the scoring to count towards your “F” grade.If you scored enough points with 2 rounds, then that’s you grade.
Hope this helps

I was told my our regional rep that although i scored enough points to get an F2 or F3 (can't remember exactly) it still didn't count as you HAVE to do 3 Rounds regardless??

Anyone else know on this out of interest?

[Chris Doughty]

I thought the '3 rounds' thing was to limit the MAXIMUM number of rounds to count, there should be no limit on the minimum number surely?

[bigred5765]

sounds like a fantatsic idea, i know loads of people were complaining last year they didnt get in for nats,
agreed it would have to be same day as nationals though

[Chris Green]

I love the idea, especially if its the same format as the nats. 2WD and 4WD in the same weekend.

[jimmy]

I'd be up for it, me and mrs.jimmy can't go race at a National - I might be able to now I'm an F3 but she sure can't.

[David Church]

It may be possible, but I would say a 2 or maximum 3 round series. It is a massive amount of work to host a National, as I am finding out and we already struggle to have enough tracks to hold Nationals. But maybe not even call it a series, maybe a Grand Prix, or something like this. But would think a smaller amount of races to start would make sense.
But a good idea:thumbsup: As long as it doesn't take away from regionals:woot:

[Evo_Snr]

I was told my our regional rep that although i scored enough points to get an F2 or F3 (can't remember exactly) it still didn't count as you HAVE to do 3 Rounds regardless??

Anyone else know on this out of interest?

Check out this Thread,We had the same problem last year
http://www.oople.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5190

[Gnarly Old Dog]

I have the same problem as Nick. As a returning ex-F1 graded driver, I didn't complete enough regionals in 07 to get anything other than an F5 so my 08 national plans are all up in the air. My regional rep confirmed a minimum of 3 rounds were required to obtain an F2 or F3 rating.

Ref the return of RRCi or a National B-series. Personally wouldn't be for me as my mates are F1 and doing the nats (and these days I go racing for the social crack as much as anything else).
Anyway, the locality of my regionals make them feel far more like nationals given that most are over 2 hours drive away :D
Shame that the attendances aren't as high as I remember they used to be. Those that go are a good crowd though.

Will try to get my F2 this year for a full on national onslaught next...

Ho humm...

[LEGEND]

Yes i think that a national B series would be great as it would let people who have never been to a national get used to it and not all of use are able to get into the nationals. So i personally think that this would be a great idea. I myself have never been to a national but would love to go as i would find out just how good the rest of the country is compared to the LEGEND.:lol::thumbsup:;)

[josh_smaxx]

A national B series would be awesome......... if only my parents would tak me :thumbdown: Id find a way of getting there :woot:

[chris68nufc]

I also think that it is a very good idea. I was hoping to get my F2 rating last year but since i had my first child it stopped me going to at least 2 of the outdoor Regionals dropping my licence from F3 to F4. Now at the indoor Regionals i am in with the lesser abled drivers (no offence to anybody) and find it very difficult to get away from them. I was hoping to do nationals but have got no chance now with my F4. Looks like im going to have to get my head down in this years outdoor Regionals and get an F2 if its possible and try next year for Nationals.

[Col]

Here's a can of worms - lets open it!

If you are not dedicated enough to complete all (or enough) of your regionals, do you really deserve to get an F2/3/4 over someone who is a "lesser" driver, but has taken the time to attend all the meetings?

[pro4nut]

Surely the step down for the national series already exists as the regional series.

With some regions struggling for 30 people to attend wouldn't a second national series dilute this even furthur?

[jim76]

Here's a can of worms - lets open it!

If you are not dedicated enough to complete all (or enough) of your regionals, do you really deserve to get an F2/3/4 over someone who is a "lesser" driver, but has taken the time to attend all the meetings?


I quite agree. As Pro4nut says, some regions are struggling for numbers so returning drivers should start there first to support their region.

I'm not sure on the B series diluting regionals, as long as they are the same day as nationals, as all regions obviosuly avoid clashes with these. Plus most people who are prepared to travel and can afford nationals already go. It wouldn't really be in the interest of an F4 to do the B series and not his regionals as he would slip back to an F5. And he would no doubt want to get an F3 through his region so he has a better chance of getting into the full nationals the following year? Or you could just make it an entry requirement for the B series that they completed the prior years regional series.

There is no doubt that the bigger meetings are more enjoyable with more closely contested racing than some regions, but we should safeguard the regionals as this is the real beginner introductory level.

[Gnarly Old Dog]

Surely the step down for the national series already exists as the regional series.

With some regions struggling for 30 people to attend wouldn't a second national series dilute this even furthur?

Totally agree.
The current formula works well and the end of year finals do provide good experience for those wanting to take the next step up.

We just need to find a way to encourage more people to attend the regionals so that their entry numbers are bolstered and provide a national-like atmosphere.
Short of dragging people off the street and holding them hostage, I've no idea how to do that though:confused:

RRCI has been a great series in the past and I'm sure it would get great interest again but it would be detrimental to the BRCA in general if it diluted the regionals.

As for Cols can of worms - you're right. No one has a given right to be upgraded in they fail to meet the minimum requirements (as did I in 2007). But it does make for some interesting heat gradings which can create frustration and friction for organisers and racers alike.
Lets just hop we can all remember that it's all for fun anyway.

Besides, the only difference between between heat 1 and heat 12 is that the guys in the top heat mean it when they take you out:lol:

[MK999]

Maybe find some big RC companies wanting to sponsor regionals, make them a bigger event with sponsors and advertising, get the sponsors to throw in some prizes, preferably 'tiered' like the MK racing events at newbury, so everyone has a shot at something :)

[mw02veg]

I agree Andy, the regionals should be the support series to the nationals another separate series will only dilute the importance of these race meetings. They are run to a similar standard to the nationals and drivers starting out have an opportunity to learn to drive set their car’s up and reach a standard of driving and marshaling before trying to compete at a national which is the elite series in this country.

Regionals have a more relaxed atmosphere but still very competitive you can take these race meeting’s to gain all the knowledge and skills you need to compete then take the next step to the nationals. Racing is FUN and should always treated this way but you can have great competitive racing in your local area

[MK999]

I agree Andy, the regionals should be the support series to the nationals another separate series will only dilute the impotence of these race meetings....

quoted for typo of the week :thumbsup:

[mw02veg]

corrected sorry !!!!!

Mike

[Stu]

I was told my our regional rep that although i scored enough points to get an F2 or F3 (can't remember exactly) it still didn't count as you HAVE to do 3 Rounds regardless??

Anyone else know on this out of interest?


Nick, as Eric suggested you need to take this up with Paul & Charlie.

Your regional rep has, I think, mis-understood the way the regions F grades are calculated.

Stu.

[David Church]

At EPR for the Regionals I am hoping to do more commentating which will add to the National style feel!!! As Scotty said at the Euro's

"It's right out of the ball park!!!!" :thumbsup:

I will be working on my 1 liners haha

[JCJC]

Surley the point is that a lot of racers who do the local Regional meetings also apply to do some or all of the Nationals, Nationals are oversubscribed and there are a few of us F4's & F5's who find it difficult to get in.
Its OK being on the reserve list but booking accomodation and trying to arrange your life around a weekend that may not happen can be tiresom.

A couple of other large events that we can book into in advance and be more sure of getting a place may be good for us. (and the venues running the meetings hopfully)

The advantage of using the same weekend as the National meetings is that Regionals around the country would not clash with them, the disadvantage is that we would have to decide which to apply for, apply for a National place on the chance there is space or apply for the "B" series meetings, not apply for both obviously.

[JCJC]

corrected sorry !!!!! Mike

shame, I was loving it:D, well spotted Mark

[MK999]

If regionals are impotent, that must mean there definitely can't be a Regional B series i guess? :woot:

[RogerM]

I've been reading this and not posted as for every argument there is at least one counter arguement ...... that doen't mean it shouldn't be considered!!!

When the Radio Race Car series was at the height of it's popularity it was brilliant. I was racing that series long before I would have considered a national for many reasons.

1) I could get an entry ... wouldn't have been possible to get an entry into nationals as they were over subscribed then too IIRC.

2) It covered all levels of ability so people with other drivers in the family, sons / daughters etc. could get the whole family booked as there was no grading ... This meant that they could race where as they probably wouldn't have been able to do so at nationals as the kids would get upset that they couldn't race.
Also meant that those people who shared lifts with others from their club who weren't great drivers could still talk them into giving them a lift to RRCi as they could race too.

3) The chance of getting your name in a magazine attracted people to race and sponsors for the better drivers at club level who weren't in line for distributor sponsorship.

4) got to go to tracks all over the country which is great as some regions only have temporary flat grass tracks and it gave people a chance to run on types of tracks they wouldn't otherwise experience.

5) 1 day meetings. Now nationals are great fun but some people just can't do them. I used to leave straight from work for nationals and most times I only made it to the venue in time to put the tent up in fading light .... when I had to wait for my good lady to finish work it was more like early hours of the morning. That was a pain for me .... god knows what those with kids have to endure!!
The 1 day nature of the RRCi meetings would suit those people much better.

6) Stock class racing. hold on, don't all scream at once there is a point to this!!!! Stock racing was cheaper .... tires lasted longer, motors lasted longer, brushes lasted longer, crashes were at slower speeds so the car didn't break and the cars lasted longer too. For those people on a budget that was important to them.
Stock racing was great fun too. Because the cars were closer in top speed and acceleration it was driver / lines that mattered so racing was close too right through the whole feild. What I mean by that is that people can get priced out of being quick in modified as often many people are putting a set of tires on a run .... not evrybody can afford that and so instantly become a lot slower than their true potential, that matters less in Stock. I actually reallymiss stock racing as I had been racing for about 10 years before I ran modified regularly!!

Do I think there is room for another series, well yes I do .. at the moment there are enough people to support it and with more people coming to 1/10th offroad it can only grow.

The RRCi series started to die when they started impossing restrictions on who could enter which class etc. that would need to be avoided.

The idea of running the events on the same weekend as the nationals is both good and bad;

Good

Would self control the entry as the top guys would want to do the nationals, although no doubt the ex F1s would come along and clean up if they couldn't get a National entry. With the BRCA's rule change stating that F1s can't drop lower than an F3 it should sort its self out in a couple of sessions though.

Would provide extra finances for some venues not hosting an "A" national etc. which would encourage them to develop creating more national quality venues in a few sessions.

Provide events for people to race who want to run every weekend but can't (lots of areas don't have many off-road clubs that run meetings)

Bad

Would potentially take people from the clubs that do run weekend events

Might have problems with organisers as a lot of the guys who run the popular clubs DO race nationals

[Stu]

Does that break the record for the longest ever oOple post?

[RogerM]

Nope ... done longer ... LOL

:D