I have stayed out of this discussion for many reasons, however I will say FROM A DRIVERS standpoint I couldn't agree with Stephen and Greg more, however from my training as an SIT I will say that I have learned a lot, and many things that ALL of us do are not exactly "per GCR" and many of us have been penalized. Lets all remember to have healthy discussions with each other before/after practice/qualifying sessions as we get to know each other I think we can play well together. Certainly always feel free to file a protest, but don't be suprised if many of these issues will raise eyebrows for both drivers. I think that in every video I have sceen of friends, as an SIT, as well as mine show that multiple people could have learned something or avoided an incident.
Mark- love the car, and you seem very nice as well, I as with Stephen DO NOT have any issues with what you did. I just agree from a drivers perspective that you also could have been a bit more proactive!!! If you pointed left at the exit of turn 6 I am sure Greg would have gone left (I know I would have), and thus he probably would have been on your left (or going toward your left) at the crest of the hill, but the pass probably wouldn't have been untill the enterance of turn 9. At anyrate while I do think you could have helped a bit more you are also right and if Gregs move had caused an incident and a protest was filed he may have left the media room an unhappy person (From my SIT experience).
I have and will again be a backmarker, be it car problems, or running with faster cars, so I know what it is like to be lapped at a very high rate of speed. I have also been in the heat of a battle (for first in class) when leaders of another class come through also in the heat of a battle, and as Stephen mentioned thier is not anyplace on any track where you can not race side by side.
On the other side of the fence I have also witnessed my dad pushed of the track from faster GT1 cars who feel that they own the track... can you say Paul Newman or Amy Ruel... probably 2 of the worst offenders of "owning a track." So it happens in all the race groupes, not just IT.
ok I am talking to much, but I have to get it all out!!! If you look at Gregs video from Cheap Date this past weekend when him and Richie had contact you can see that Greg gave a point by way in advance long before the braking zone and/or the turn. He then left plenty of room. things didn't work out, but we wont get into that. The important part is that he made a distinct point by well in advance.
The most important lesson that isn't taught or stressed enough IMO is the timing of a point by. Point bys need to be in advance further than one might think. I feel that if you have someone you think will pass at the exit of a turn you should point them bye before the braking zone, look for the dive bomb, then again at the exit of the turn do the point again to ensure that they saw the point by and be sure to hold space for them even if that means you go a bit off line (a good example would be the exit of turn 6/apex of turn 7 at NHIS). If the person still doesn't pass then I do think it is safe to start over and possibly point them by on the right. if that makes sence.
good luck to all;
Raymond "I should have stayed out of this!!!" Blethen
