2008 Nationals Reports

#121

Okay, I have a question I need to ask after watching Skeen’s video.

But before I do, I don’t want it to be misconstrued as me “calling someone out” or criticising. I don’t have my comp license yet, and the person from whom I seek an answer is very experienced, past national champ, etc etc. so dont take my question in that way. Far be it from me to be the guy who judges what you did or didn’t do.

So, with that disclaimer being made:

Q: Chris Cobetto, did you not see all of those black flags, or is there some other reason you stayed out that long after the first one was shown?

#122

Yeah, Al…

I know but it still sucks.

I got the backing plates BTW, Thanks

#123

you also have to wonder why it took 7 min to show him the black flag. It had to have reeked of gas out there.
bruce

DaveCN wrote:

[quote]Okay, I have a question I need to ask after watching Skeen’s video.

But before I do, I don’t want it to be misconstrued as me “calling someone out” or criticising. I don’t have my comp license yet, and the person from whom I seek an answer is very experienced, past national champ, etc etc. so dont take my question in that way. Far be it from me to be the guy who judges what you did or didn’t do.

So, with that disclaimer being made:

Q: Chris Cobetto, did you not see all of those black flags, or is there some other reason you stayed out that long after the first one was shown?[/quote]

#124

the delay in spotting it crossed my mind as well - especially after there were a few offs at or around the turns where he was losing it. (though, to be fair, we have no idea if those had anything to do with the gas on the track).

#125

when you’re working F&C, any fluids dropping should be dealt with quickly - you don’t wait to see if it has an actual impact on the other cars (you’re trying to avoid accidents).
bruce

DaveCN wrote:

#126

I won’t answer for Chris, but the first several were meatball’s which are command flags but not a black flag. You can barely see the orange meatball in the vid.

#127

You have to admit getting black flagged while leading the National Championship race would be a tough pill to swallow, more like a suppository

#128

My guess is that he didnt know he was spilling gas and he was guessing/hoping that the flag was for skeen behind him.

#129

It is true that their were some meatball flags. I completely forgot when editing the video to check which were where. Though I think the station before the carousel always was showing black–can’t remember. They did have a number board at that station though.

I’m sure, like me, he thought it would burn off/come out pretty quickly. When I saw it on the pace lap, I figured it would quit in the first lap or two.

#130

meatball or black flag is irrelevant - they both command you to pit next time around.
bruce

#131

Ok, to clarify, when I used the term “black flag” I meant both the solid black and the black mechanical.

Again, not judging. Just curious to know it from Chris’ perspective.

#132

In the airport headed to Miller. When I get back I’ll get my video posted.

Unfortunately my complete 4th gear failure on Sunday (about the time of the double yellow) made me a hazard on track, so I pulled off. Probably would have finished 5th or 6th. :frowning:

My experience wasn’t as happy as some of you. IMHO there was far too much contact especially at the starts. What does it take to get people to realize that banzai moves at the start just result in someone’s car being damaged. In fact, the repeated contact from Saturday’s start just as I was trying to get into 4th gear is probably why 4th failed on Sunday.

#133
#134

4th seems to be the gear that always goes first, but you never know what might have helped it along.

#135

jlucas wrote:

Jeremy -

I agree. I don’t think there’s ever an excuse for contact. But I expect people to ratchet up the intensity for the national championship race. I think that mindset is exascerbated by the short length of the practice and qualifying sessions. If you lose a couple spots at the start, it is damn tough to make them up in a 5 lap race.

Having been through 2 NASA Championships, that is my only complaint. But they (evidently) need to have 10 groups to accomodate all the drivers. Maybe with the length of the Miller track they can knock that down to 8 groups with more track time per session?

Sorry to see the damage to your trunk after the qualifying race spin on the front straight. I am sure that plays a part in the post-race funk.

It was a bummer for me to have to pull off after a few laps, but I made the same decision as you. If I can’t run at a predictable pace, I am a hazard to the other drivers.

And I agree. You would have finshed 6th - because I would have made it to 5th with a healthy car.:ohmy: :laugh:

Steve D.

#136

Unfortunately it isn’t NASCAR or a regional event where you get to know the temperment of the other racers.

Fortunately it is just club racing where we get plastic trophys for winning. Oops, I’m wrong in that statement, as there was money on the line. So, as the Nationals go, that would be another unfortunate item to consider.

Other than know who you’re racing and race them in a like manner—impossible to do in a once a year event—there is no answer to Jeremy’s quest for understanding. You’ll have to discuss race incedents with the other party. And, the usual, there are two sides to every story.

Robert (did I just say anything) Patton

PS Steve D. obviously types faster and I think he summed it up the best.

#137

leggwork wrote:

[quote]meatball or black flag is irrelevant - they both command you to pit next time around.
bruce[/quote]
This is correct.

#138

cool pic of Mike O.

#139

I hate to think about all the goofs I’ve made at the track.

Sean is a great source for E30 info and is always an all-around good guy during a race weekend.

Carter

#140

Sean,

Thanks for posting the picture. We you drive as slow as I do in the rain it is easier to get those shots.

Michael
#36
Great Lakes Region