Dave -
Perhaps I misunderstood the tone of your post, but based upon the EMRA bashing that has gone on in years past (not by you), one tends to take a very defensive approach to these things. Jean (the wife who seems to have the same addiction as yours does) and I certainly welcome the cold ale offer. Be certain to stop by at the banquet and make sure you get a few Jell-o shots from us in exchange. (Note to those who have seen the wrecker in action at this event: it is not true that I get into the Jell-o BEFORE I go on track. It just seems that way.)
Regarding the antics of those "challenged" drivers, I would offer the following suggestion: EMRA is a driver-run organization. This event is whatever you guys make it to be. If you have concerns about driving antics, please feel free to speak up about it at the driver's meeting. Or, if you are not comfortable doing that, be certain to let our chairman, Bob Hill, who also doubles as the Enduro Chair, know of your concerns. He can be contacted at:
[email protected]
As a result of our exchange this morning I will be certain to let Bob know myself of people's concerns. This stuff is not exactly news to us, but feedback from the drivers is always important. It allows us to get ahead of the curve, so to speak. All EMRA has is it’s reputation, and if the beating and banging goes on unchecked our reputation suffers.
Let me state it again for those playing along at home: We do not, and will not, tolerate the aggressive driving you have noted. As I mentioned, EMRA has taken action on several occasions this year regarding drivers who have driven over their head and not with it. I have seen people parked for a session, and I have seen others put on probation. If you see something that worries you during the event, let myself or one of the other EMRA types know and we will keep an eye out. The word quickly goes out over the flagger net and we start listening for reports. The other weekend at LRP I had several "moments of prayer" with drivers who were engaged in the antics you are concerned about. EMRA is staffed by drivers and we know what is reasonable, and more what is not. The WDCR has always enjoyed a good relationship with EMRA, and we appreciate all of the drivers and workers from it who come to this event, and we want that to continue.
Regarding the results – I’m glad you were able to get your trophy. I seem to recall an e-mail conversation with somebody regarding that, and perhaps that was you that I (hopefully) pointed in the right direction. The results do say that they are the handicapped results. Perhaps there is some basic misunderstanding in what we are both looking at here on my part or yours – either way, feel free to contact me off-line so that we can finish the discussion.
Rob
PS - It looks like we may have the same live timing and scoring set-up as we did last year. It is tenative because the person who is doing it is also driving that day, and 1. He is in the big bore session, which is scheduled to be first out, and 2. He will be dividing his time between the 'puter and the car. Not surprisingly (nor unreasonably), if there is a conflict, his car will come first.
WB
[This message has been edited by Wreckerboy (edited November 08, 2004).]