In response to the overwhelming feedback I recieved from the last posting, I'd like to thank each person that weighed in with well-thought out thoughts. I was originally asking for suggestion on usless rules that could be eliminated, but recieved a wave of information on other factors as well. Just a little note about the number of suggestions:
RULES TO ELIMINATE: 6 suggestions
NEW RULES TO ADD: 10 suggestions
RULE LOGIC & ENFORCEMENT: 4 suggestions
OTHER REASONS: 19 suggestions
I've compiled a list of concerns from everyone's comments for future use. Just to clear up any misconceptions, our local club just finished it's 2012 season and did quite well with hook numbers. They were still not quite as good as 2010 (record year), but MUCH better than 2011 (worst year). I did have to chuckle at the suggestion to increase hooks by limiting one tractor's multiple hooks. More is less? Last time I checked, those guys have more fun and help clubs pay the bills. Usually only the first driver in a class is eligible for a trophy anyway. The justification was it is boring and it takes too long.
In the interest of simplifying and trying for a great 2013, I was searching for some rules to reword or wipe out all together. It appears, the big hoopla is with the mid-hp slower speed tractors. Stock works pretty well if enforced. Full cut 18.4X38 strokers seem to do fine for the most part.
The "15.5" 3mph stuff is where it gets real hairy. Many in our club want to either eliminate top cut tires or selectively weed out higher horsepower tractors based on track officials discretion. I have a problem with both. A class could be added, but current 15.5 classes are sometimes small to begin with. NATPA made a bold move with 2T. It isn't exactly what I'd do, but it was a move in the right direction and very popular.
The idea of having a "non-welded" block or crank class is hard to enforce, but has possibilities if your signed entry slip has a box to check stating you have not stroked a crank. At least it makes you sign your name to your lie if you cheat.
Well enough rambling. Thanks again for the major response.
Ethan
P.S. Lucky Sevens, your concern has not gone unnoticed. Others have the same thoughts. Enough others to change things? I dunno.
RULES TO ELIMINATE: 6 suggestions
NEW RULES TO ADD: 10 suggestions
RULE LOGIC & ENFORCEMENT: 4 suggestions
OTHER REASONS: 19 suggestions
I've compiled a list of concerns from everyone's comments for future use. Just to clear up any misconceptions, our local club just finished it's 2012 season and did quite well with hook numbers. They were still not quite as good as 2010 (record year), but MUCH better than 2011 (worst year). I did have to chuckle at the suggestion to increase hooks by limiting one tractor's multiple hooks. More is less? Last time I checked, those guys have more fun and help clubs pay the bills. Usually only the first driver in a class is eligible for a trophy anyway. The justification was it is boring and it takes too long.
In the interest of simplifying and trying for a great 2013, I was searching for some rules to reword or wipe out all together. It appears, the big hoopla is with the mid-hp slower speed tractors. Stock works pretty well if enforced. Full cut 18.4X38 strokers seem to do fine for the most part.
The "15.5" 3mph stuff is where it gets real hairy. Many in our club want to either eliminate top cut tires or selectively weed out higher horsepower tractors based on track officials discretion. I have a problem with both. A class could be added, but current 15.5 classes are sometimes small to begin with. NATPA made a bold move with 2T. It isn't exactly what I'd do, but it was a move in the right direction and very popular.
The idea of having a "non-welded" block or crank class is hard to enforce, but has possibilities if your signed entry slip has a box to check stating you have not stroked a crank. At least it makes you sign your name to your lie if you cheat.
Well enough rambling. Thanks again for the major response.
Ethan
P.S. Lucky Sevens, your concern has not gone unnoticed. Others have the same thoughts. Enough others to change things? I dunno.