-
-
Re: RARA's official statement
That link doesn't work for me, can anyone copy and paste?Originally posted by Thom Richard View Post -
Re: RARA's official statement
Thom, I am truly sorry! This statement, and their actions are complete BS..
Folks, click the link, read the statement, and leave your HONEST feedback....something has to change..."CHARLIE DON'T SURF!!!"Comment
-
Re: RARA's official statement
So RARA has the judgement of one judge, but no other evidence? The cockpit camera doesn't seem to support the judge's "call." Which is objective - a fallible, singular human or the camera?Originally posted by Matt58 View Post
How much was the third place purse? Should we try to raise it for the Precious Metal team?Comment
-
Re: RARA's official statement
Here is what I saw:Originally posted by Dialtapper View Post
Reno, Nev. – Sunday, Sept. 14 concluded what was one of the most competitive National Championship Air Races in recent histories. Throughout the week, nearly 120 pilots, across six classes of airplanes, thrilled fans with racing that was intense and extremely close. Unfortunately, the results of Sunday’s thrilling Breitling Unlimited Gold Race have been called into question by some fans and pilots. Five-time reigning champion, Steve Hinton, won his sixth National Championship flying the P-51 Mustang “Voodoo.” Sherman Smoot and his Yak-11, “Czech Mate,” finished in second place. Unofficial race results had Thom Richard finishing in third place in the P-51 racer, “Precious Metal.” On Richard’s second lap, the Contest Committee Judge responsible for judging the East Showline ruled that Richard had crossed the showline. This is a violation of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations and, according to official race rules, results in disqualification. This led to Dennis Sanders and “Dreadnought” finishing in third place.
According to the official race rules the ruling on a showline cut is not open to appeal. The Contest Committee Judges are positioned on the showline and have a clear view of the aircraft position and flight path relative to the showline. Due to the lack of calibration and standardization in the placement of cockpit cameras, cockpit video is not normally reviewed by the Contest Committee. In this case, the Contest Committee did review the aerial cockpit video from Precious Metal and determined that it clearly shows the flight path on lap 2 to be east of all the other laps flown. RARA works very closely with all six race classes, as well as the FAA, to ensure a safe and competitive event. And, as a National Championship event and the only one of its kind in the world, RARA is committed to working with all of its race officials and the class organizations to maintain the integrity of each race result. RARA has integrated new and advanced technologies into the timing and recording of the event and is committed to work with the FAA and the appropriate race classes to evolve race rules to maintain the highest degree of objectivity and accuracy in each and every race. We very much appreciate the support and engagement from all of our loyal and dedicated race fans. It is with their help that “the world’s fastest motorsport” will continue far into the future. # # #
Then they are lots of comments from readers.Last edited by SkyvanDelta; 09-16-2014, 10:33 PM.Comment
-
Re: RARA's official statement
Done.Originally posted by Matt58 View Post
Technically, it would take agreement of 2 of 3 cameras to accurately determine a cut. One camera at the South end of that showline, one at the jog and one at the showline's intersection with Lemmon Dr. Could also be 2 of 3 judges, NOT just a single judge for the whole showline.Last edited by Tibia; 09-16-2014, 11:06 PM.Comment
-
Re: RARA's official statement
How hard would it be to have either the line judge shooting a camera down the line with every passing plane, or even video cameras pointed down the line, and there would have to be a clearly marked line on the ground for a reference point (That might take a lot of chalk) The GPS thing isn't a bad idea, or heck even a transponder that goes off if the pilot crosses the line?
The bottom line is that if there are going to be inflexible rules, there needs to be infallible proof that the rules were broken. Otherwise its a he said she said issue and if it can't be proven without a doubt, that the rules were broken by multiple sources, the DQ can not stand. One person and a camera pointed down the line, if the plane fully crosses the line, he is out (But I would leave a clause in there stating that if the move were done to avoid another aircraft, or an in flight anomaly that is clearly visible from inside the plane, say wake turbulence for example does not result in a DQ). People's eyes can play tricks on them, so if rules like this are going to be enforced the way they are, they need to have multiple sets of eyes on the course, as well as video or GPS to back up the claim of a rule violation. Heck, even car racing has multiple people in the corner workers boxes for just this reason.
One person making the call with no marked boundary for reference is crazy. Heck the person has to be ON the line not on either side of it to make the call as well. Depending on the angle of view it might look like he crossed the line, but in reality did not.
What happened to innocent until proven guilty? Clearly there is more evidence that there was no incident then there is of an incident. One camera rolling in the plane vs one person who has no proof other than his word that he got the call right.
Things need to change. The few Unlimited teams that do come out try and conform to the rules, but it seems that they have no support from the racing organization. If you are going to put on a race, at least support the guys who are there to race.
WillComment
-
Re: RARA's official statement
Sherman Smoot said some words about three quarters of the way down if anyone cares to look. Nice to see Sherman say his words to RARA.Reno from '99 to '23Comment
-
Re: RARA's official statement
Is Smoot still president of the Unlimited class, or is it Tiger?Comment
Comment