V8 Supercars, Thoughts on Reverse grid?

[minux]

What are peoples thoughts on reverse grid races?

For me, i think it is unfair, i don't see how it benefits the racing or anything else.
Sure it gives nuff nuff's the chance to win something, but for the quicker guys all it does is bottle them up in traffic and can possibly end what was or going to be a good race weekend. Perfect example was skaife almost being taken out by Riccardello(spelling unknown). I think it should be scrapped, the first and 3rd races were great, let down by the middle race at barbagello.

[Darren]

I'm in two halves over it, stack wise normally the reverse grid races bring some awesome stacks as the fast guys get stuck / tangled with the slower one's although this time round the reverse grid race was very clean.

Then on the other side why should the front runners be disadvantaged by slower vehicles.

If they are going to do it why not make it on a track where there are plenty of passing opportunities, none spring to mind at this stage though.

I really feel for Skaife, he missed out by a whole 4 points on taking out the round win which would have then put him ahead of Brockie, he seems to have got his act together this year, I know it's only early days still but what he has demonstrated so far he just might be a contender come Phillip Island.

I really hope I didn't just jinx him.

[ucwepn]

On a good passing track there is no problem with reverse grid racing, although one problem comes to mind, The fact that there is much more parity than there was say 2-3 years ago and all the cars are basicaly identical in spec and speed so it makes it a nightmare for the better drivers to get to the front from the back and also 57 laps is not long enough to get to the front from the back IMO

[brendan24688]

I love RGR's. They add so much more to the weekend rather then just the same bloke winning, it adds a little competition.

[VRSS]

i think its really good to watch the front runners try and get back to the front. really shows off their driving skills IMO.
but i feel for them cause they earned their positions in the front. they should stay in the position they earned.

[vt1538]

Id rather see the reverse grids as it does show off the drivers skills. Almost anyone can do a fast lap in the clear. It takes skill to do it in traffic.
Both Richards & Kelly showed that a fast car from the rear can make it up to the pointy end. Skaifey's set up was obviously off or he could have made a decent charge too.

[vztrt]

The only thing I dont get with RGR is if AVESCO/TEGA have spent the last 5 years making the cars similar to each other for better racing (up to the individual on if it's worked) and to keep the sport more affordable for the smaller teams. But when you see some of the big incidents that have occurred due to RGR's you tend to think how is this going to reduce overall costs for teams.

[MOTIV8]

The RGRs are great in some aspects because AVESCO makes most of its money in sponsorship deals which in turn rely on TV coverage. TV viewers want action and tight racing and news coverage of the big crashes only splashes the sponsors on the screens again and again.

Remember the times not all that long ago where Micheal Schumacher/Ferrari would get poll and then lead the race all the way and the rest of the filed would pretty much follow the same order all race .......... BORING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just the fact that this discussion is happening is proof that RGR works in generating interest.

[MOTIV8]

The only thing I dont get with RGR is if AVESCO/TEGA have spent the last 5 years making the cars similar to each other for better racing (up to the individual on if it's worked) and to keep the sport more affordable for the smaller teams. But when you see some of the big incidents that have occurred due to RGR's you tend to think how is this going to reduce overall costs for teams.

This isn't about reducing costs for the teams ........... it's about making the racing more exciting for the fans, especially the TV viewers. The crashes are part of that.

[minux]

I disagree with the excitement theory, the first 2 races had the leaders just 1-2 seconds apart, the middle screwed up the battle.

[sixshooter]

I like it... it makes it more entertaining to watch and you can easily see who the real talented drivers are on the track...

[minux]

I like it... it makes it more entertaining to watch and you can easily see who the real talented drivers are on the track...

Not really, it only takes one car to slow people up on a shithole track where people cannot pass and the weekend is rooted for them. Lok at last weekend hell skaife was almost taken out by some new retard. It's more about luck on how you get through the field on most australian circuits

[***In The Build***]

I think there is pros and cons to reverse grids, i mean, you see some of the closest racing in years, the best drivers prove that they are exactly that. It tests the teams ability to make on the spot discisions while on the go. Some realitively unknown sponsors get some needed coverage for a few laps. Cons, well it has the potential to ruin someones season, cause massive carnage, and possibly injury. But on an open free flowing track it will be the best racing in years.

[vztrt]

This isn't about reducing costs for the teams ........... it's about making the racing more exciting for the fans, especially the TV viewers. The crashes are part of that.

Yes but Avesco in the last two years has been making more generic racing parts for all teams (wheels, clutch plates, etc). The idea was to reduce the cost for teams, and we all know RGR create havoc most of the time.
This is why I am saying that it's silly that AVESCO is trying to make V8 supercar racing cheaper but they put in RGR which will cost more in repairing the damage.

[Ripcell]

well i dont mind it, if u listen to the drivers they will tell u it sucks when it bites them, but if it works for them they will say it is good. i race karts and the second race is usually a reverse grid and personally i dont mind it from a drivers perspective, gives u a challenge, or if u had a shit first race it gives you a shot to be in it at the end

[amcroft]

Well for me, it's bloody wonderful to see other cars at the pointy end other than the usual teams.... it provides very close racing for the viewing public and gives the little guy in front a big chest for he is actually leading a V8 supercar race.. One thing that all have to remember that the decision for this action is made because of the feedback received from us the viewing public. Plus the way the points are now they all have a go at keeping somwhere close to the leading teams

[Ripcell]

true, it does get a bit repeticious seeing the key guys at the front, u can almost always predict who will be in the top 10, the top 20 and then the top 30

gives it some degree of difference

[minux]

Well for me, it's bloody wonderful to see other cars at the pointy end other than the usual teams.... it provides very close racing for the viewing public and gives the little guy in front a big chest for he is actually leading a V8 supercar race.. One thing that all have to remember that the decision for this action is made because of the feedback received from us the viewing public. Plus the way the points are now they all have a go at keeping somwhere close to the leading teams

Dont even start me on the points system...what a joke.. I mean last year had someone finished 9th every race they would have won the season...sorry but that isnt the best car and the best driver winning..

[amcroft]

It is on the day but it's about being consistance at every race meeting and that goes for all forms of motorsport. Yes the points system has had quite a few probs in the last few years but, There is never going to be a fair systems unless they go back to the good olds days, and devided the group into divisions... eg fast boys (a) div and so on and so on. Then and only then would you see the little guys up front...... But who wants to take a step backwards? Surely not the v8.

[minux]

It is on the day but it's about being consistance at every race meeting and that goes for all forms of motorsport. Yes the points system has had quite a few probs in the last few years but, There is never going to be a fair systems unless they go back to the good olds days, and devided the group into divisions... eg fast boys (a) div and so on and so on. Then and only then would you see the little guys up front...... But who wants to take a step backwards? Surely not the v8.

Why does it need to be divided? the cars all the same anyway. It should go back to 1 to 6 getting points. Then the true best drivers will be fighting out the championship. It will also hurt less for epople when they are crashed out or crash out.

[vt1538]

I agree with the points being a joke. The point system needs to be top heavy to force the drivers to try to win. Doing 58 laps while picking up the groceries & finishing only a few points behind the winner is fcuking stupid.
Love the reverse grids though. We do reverse grid every race & it definately teaches you a few things. As I stated before anyone can be fast out front,but not everyone can be fast in traffic.

[amcroft]

If the cars are ment to be the same why are the BOC boys not on the front row????? Comes down to money and been able to compete by devolopement... BOC cannot complete on the same level as the Stone brothers can they?... Same with Morris and Skaife, Why are they not competing on the same level??? Parity might have brought the two makes closer but not the field in general.

[vt1538]

While the cars are using similar parts & are regulated heavily on the other specifications, the teams individual set up will vary. The better race engineers are the ones that are getting the set up right earliest. You only have to look at Richards run at Barbagello to see that a small mistake can tune the car to a standstill.

[thorson]

I don't mind RGR's but you have to feel for the faster drivers. Come in 1st in the 1st race then get relegated to last isn't so bad. It makes you prove how skilful you are. But if there is a tangle in the middle of the pack and they get caught up in it then the chances of winning the championship drop. Bring back the day when it was only the top 10 that was reversed. That made V8's even more exciting cos it would be the top drivers battling and not get caught up with the slower guys.

[GTRVL]

reverse grid racing is a waste of time and money,... look at the damage yesterday,... larry has to fork out 28K to fix the JD car..... Pfft. they keep it up and i`m gunna stop watching it. it has turned a good series to CRAP! I went to SLEEP (YES THATS RIGHT SLEEP!) y-day cuz it was so god damn boring (with the exception of the fights it causes when ppl get the shits and start driving like they are in a bumper car) what a shame the have done this to such a great series!!!

HRT all the way! frozen my nuts off,.. thought i was going to drown in the rain,... so dehydrated ive had to goto hospital but its all to support the boys in RED!