No Formation lap....

f1rocks · #1 11-25-2007, 10:36 PM

You guys okay with setting up the race server so there is no formation lap....it's just a recipe for disaster.

Stack · #2 11-26-2007, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f1rocks

You guys okay with setting up the race server so there is no formation lap....it's just a recipe for disaster.

I dunno... it actually does get tires and brakes warmed up, and I use it to do so. I'm thinking it might be better to have some heat in the tires and brakes before any turn 1 in anger vs. all of us barreling into it cold fish. Nothing worse then taking yourself or someone else out at turn one because you locked 'em up and slid off into the gravel trap (especially at Brands Hatch) Ya just gotta be careful not to go spinning off during the formation lap.

Just my opinion

f1rocks · #3 11-26-2007, 11:04 AM

Having run leagues for quite a while, formation laps are always an issue. Take it from experience, someone is going to get arse rammed during the warm up and want to do a restart for something not their fault.

The "temperature" you get into the tires is not real significant on a formation lap and I dare say it is less consistent that you would see running every race from dead cold. At least then you know exactly what the car is going to do!! Be slippery for the first lap and a half.

jstecher · #4 11-26-2007, 11:10 AM

I like the formation lap for the sheer enjoyment of seeing everyone spin out! I think everyone except Stack did it last night.

I do agree with Stack its nice to get the tires and brakes warmed up and it makes it feel like your really racing.

Stack · #5 11-26-2007, 11:21 AM

When you're in-car, and on track, you can hit the 'Enter' button (or configure a wheel button like I did) to scroll through the various real-time data screens on the HUD. One includes tire temps at all four corners. I know it raises the temps doing the formation lap. How that affects actual grip levels at T1 I'm sure is negligible, but it's a bit of a confidence boost.

f1rocks · #6 11-26-2007, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stack

When you're in-car, and on track, you can hit the 'Enter' button (or configure a wheel button like I did) to scroll through the various real-time data screens on the HUD. One includes tire temps at all four corners. I know it raises the temps doing the formation lap. How that affects actual grip levels at T1 I'm sure is negligible, but it's a bit of a confidence boost.

I use the HUD toggle religiously to look at gaps, temps, etc...you are correct that the temp goes up but it is negligible and the confidence boost is what causes problems on the start of a race. Nothing sucks worse than practicing all week to have a race end on the first corner when someone tries to "win it all" to the first corner.

It will make qualification a real easy decision for me

Especially if we have a 45-60 minute race. I'll start in the back and let everyone else pile up in the first lap.

mrepka · #7 11-26-2007, 12:13 PM

We need to be carefull in the use of formation laps. I care not either way if we use them or not, but there are some tracks that formation laps do not work. It really should NOT be an issue for this group as we will likely not have 20+ guys, but the following can happen. At Road America for example, The pit boxes are defined in a plane backwards from the first pit stall, because of the large hill on the start finish straight, the pit boxes at the back of the grid are up in the air, and cars cannot drive into the gate to trigger the start sequence. Like I said should not be an issue, but there are difficulties if not fully tested prior to race day.

Stack · #8 11-26-2007, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrepka

We need to be carefull in the use of formation laps. I care not either way if we use them or not, but there are some tracks that formation laps do not work. It really should NOT be an issue for this group as we will likely not have 20+ guys, but the following can happen. At Road America for example, The pit boxes are defined in a plane backwards from the first pit stall, because of the large hill on the start finish straight, the pit boxes at the back of the grid are up in the air, and cars cannot drive into the gate to trigger the start sequence. Like I said should not be an issue, but there are difficulties if not fully tested prior to race day.

Good point Mark... and I'll say too... I won't be a stickler for this... if the group doesn't want formation laps, fine with me!

jstecher · #9 11-26-2007, 02:14 PM

I just like them for the pure feel of the race aspect. It make it feel as real as possible. I think we should always do a test before we start at each track to make sure the formation lap works earlier in the week. If it doesn't we just dont do one.