After many hours of deliberation and viewing replays, we have completed our review of the start and Orange Zone for the Denver GT race held April 10. This was a particulary ugly start for one of our races. Everone needs to be reminded why the "Orange Zone" rule was put into place.

This is not our first involvement in a multiclass series with large fields. The start of the race when adrenalin is high, and the hearts are pounding is the most dangerous of times. We all must realize that making it through the first series of turns unscathed on the start is a challenge for everyone. The grid positions on these courses we use are rarely spaced far enough apart to have us fight for position off the start. We all need to temper our desire to gain positions knowing that we are all a hairsbreadth away from disaster. One bump that puts a car out of shape can have huge repercussions on the rest of the field behind. The races are 75 to 90 minutes long. Plenty of time to gain or regain a position or two. There is no need to risk your race our the race of others when it can be avoided. Patience! If it looks like a move is risky, don't finish it. If you have a poor start, live with it and wait for things to settle down before attacking the people in front of you. Here are the rules regarding starts.

2. Race Starts

2.1 The start of every race can be the point where accidents can be the most damaging both for our competitors and our race series. An accident early on can put an end to the race for a large portion of the field. Champion Motorsports expects that everyone take care not to be over aggressive on race starts or for the first laps of any event. Remember that these races are long and it is far more important to keep your cars in one piece than to pass a few competitors in the early going.

2.2 In order to place a some control over the possibility of first lap incidents we will consider the area between the “Start Line”, including the entire real grid, until the exit of turn one to be “The Orange Zone” where passing is to be conducted with extreme care during the first lap of any race. Should an incident occur because a driver chooses to pass in this “Orange Zone” the driver making the pass will be held responsible for the incident. Attempting to pass cars more than one row ahead is not only risky, but you should also ask yourself if you really should be there in the first place. The drivers in front of you were faster after all. All race starts will be reviewed by Race Stewards following the event and penalties will be issued to drivers who are considered to be at fault. Please note that a driver can cause an accident without making contact with another car.

“Orange Zones” may be extended in length for any track and this extension should be announced by race officials prior to the event.

2.2.1 When rolling starts are utilized, the polesitter will set a quick, controlled pace. All competitors are expected to cease any wheelspin, heavy braking or swerving about prior to the last corner of the pace lap. Causing an incident on the pace lap will be cause for discipline.

2.2.2 Drivers should not leave large gaps between themselves and the car in front prior to the start.

2.3 When standing starts are in effect, a formation lap will become part of the start procedure. During the formation lap the polesitter will set a pace fast enough to put some heat in the tires but slow enough that the field can negotiate the course safely in close quarters and not become strung out around the circuit. The polesitter should gradually slow well before the last turn prior to the start in order for the field to close ranks. All other drivers will follow the polesitter in single file and in qualifying order during the formation lap without leaving large gaps between the cars.

2.3.1 Any driver who causes a formation lap incident due to excessive weaving, braking, spinning of tires or purposely making contact with another driver will face discipline.

2.3.2 Drivers must be in control when the lights turn green. Spinning your car on the grid will be considered as serious an offence as causing a first turn accident. It is highly reccomended that your first gear be adjusted high enough to prevent this from happening.
Remember that ever driver handles the start and the entry into the first corners differently. Some will get away perfect off the line, some will hesitate, others will spin their tires too much and of coure others will appear to be asleep. The entry into turn one will also be different for everyone. Some will brake early, being cautious on cold tires while others, especially on the inside line will tend to go to deep. Learn to EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED. Sounds impossible doesn't it? It is not. Think of everyone as your best friend on the start and take care of them. You can kick ass later.


Ok the hard part. Here are the results of the review:

Tim Collier found in violation of ILMS series rules 2.2.1, 2.2.2. This is Tim's first Orange Zone Violation. Damage to other competitors resulted from the incident and he will be penalized 8 GT2 Championship points.

Richard Hylands found in violation of ILMS series rules 2.2.1, 2.2.2 and 3.1. This is Richard's second Orange Zone Penalty. Damage to other competitors resulted from the incident and he will be penalized 30 GT2 Championship points in addition he will be placed on probation for six ILMS 2 or 4 class races.

There was an aditinal incident investigated, but we highly suspect that the first two incidents which ocurred in turn one at Denver had a large influence on subsquent accidents. Therefore no additional penalties result.

All drivers are encouraged to reread our rules regarding starts and passing http://780bradford.com/champion/foru...ead.php?t=2652 and the viewing of the Denver Drivers Meeting Notes is considered mandatory http://780bradford.com/champion/foru...ead.php?t=4275

Good Luck to everyone who plans to compete in this week's 4 class ILMS race at Denver. Keep it off the walls boys!