I'd like to know some opinions on what consequences there should be if caught cheating. The rule book is very vague on what will happen if caught. It seems to me that if very little is going to be done if you are caught then what is there to deter people from cheating or bending the rules. I think there needs to be something in the rule book that specifically states whats going to happen if you are cheating in any way. I know it is too late for this year but possibly for next year. Here is a very good and clear example off of Lemoore Raceways rules.1st offense- the driver/owner of the illegal engine will lose all points for the night and payout. 2nd offense- same as first, plus a $250.00 fine and a 2 race suspension. 3rd offense DQ for the rest of the season. Just my 2 cents.
What has happen to bring this kind of message to the board? There are 5 different classes that race each week so not everyone is in the loop of what has gone on or what might be going on. Please pass on any information so the club members have a understanding of the problem so we can come up with a quick fix now and rewrite the rules during the winter for the next season. If you have a issue that needs to be modified for the rule book write it down and bring them to the rules meeting this fall so we cad deal with them. If we try to remember them then our ideas get forgotten until after the rules are voted on and then we have to wait another year, so please keep track of your ideas now.
Background: It was discovered after qualifying that a car in the 600r class had installed restrictor plates improperly such that air could pass around the side of the plates. The time was immediately disqualified. NMSA and Deming Speedway management discussed the issue, and allowed the team to correct the condition and complete the night. The car was dis-allowed any passing points for the event.
The disqualified party approached me indicating that the rule book does not state how the plates should be installed. This claim is negated by the fact that the NMSA rule book does not specify that restrictor plates need be used at all. (In fact, the only acknowledgement that the class exists is in specifying a different weight). I believe the intent of the plates is understood so I upheld the previous decision by tech inspection to disqualify the time.
I received verbal complaints from most members of the 600r class along with various recommended punishments. Because the requirement is not well defined in the NMSA rule book, my decision was a cooperative one with Deming Speedway. Had this rule been explicitly defined in 600r class rules, punishment would have been far more severe. As corrective action, I called a meeting of all 600r class participants in attendance to verify that all parties understand how the plates should be installed. I also issued the warning that the next case of cheating (including mis-use of restrictor plates) may result in, but not be limited to, suspension for the remainder of the season. If you choose to operate in the grey areas of the rule book, be advised that the last line in the rule book states
"Any interpretation or deviation from these rules is left to the discretion of the officials. Their decision is final."
Moving forward, I am NOT delegating other board members authority to receive or speak on behalf of the club for any matter related to formal or informal grievance. Please direct ALL future grievances/complaints to me, at which time I will involve the necessary parties to review the complaint. Please also report directly to me if you feel this condition is being violated. My number is in the rule book, and my email is listed in my profile here on the board. Grievances at the track should be in written form. I don't mark down for poor spelling or penmanship.
For reference- The ONLY class I have received complaints from this year is 600R. Unfortunately, a few teams are creating a poor reputation for the entire class. I am disgusted that we can't seem to focus on what really matters. For those who don't seem to get it, I'm talking about things like personal growth, sportsmanship and accountability.
Rules meetings will be scheduled at the end of the season
I guess I should look at this positively, at least now the #1 reason people think the club exists is not pit stall management...
I have been around racing & racers for a long time and they all push the limits of the rules. It is how some of the innovation in racing came about! It is up to the officials writing the rules, to make them clear & complete in order to maintain the integrity they are trying to achieve. If there are gray areas they will be found! Racers are a very ingenious bunch of people.
It seems to me, that it is the adults that are acting like kids and the kids acting like adults as a result of this. This thread should never have been a public topic, but as it was made public it is what it is. The track owner announced what the penalty would be publicly in the pits, and it was also announced over the PA system. The penalty was served last Friday, so get over it and move on!!
-- Edited by oldracer on Monday 18th of May 2009 09:14:29 PM
-- Edited by oldracer on Monday 18th of May 2009 09:15:55 PM
