Here's a crazy idea.
Everybody leaves heads up. Let the timing computer figure out who wins.
First/worst red light issue goes away.
Sure, finish will be staggered. No fans watch at the finish anyway.
The finish line "game" goes away since you can't tell who's taking the stripe early.
This means, no reason to be sideways on the brakes going through the lights. Dial tight and run it out. It's racing again, not a game.
Who would like this?
-Insurance companies. Less risk of a fast car breaking and hitting the slow car ahead. Maybe we could cut some cost for the tracks. Maybe they could pass that on to the racers.
-Slow cars. Red light debate goes away.
-Some fast cars because they don't have to worry about 80 mph of closure going through the lights. The slow car is way behind.
Who would not like this?
-People that can't dial their car or the car is inconsistent.
-Fast cars that like the first red light advantage.
-People that are skilled at driving the stripe, "holding 2" or whatever.
-People that like the "financial commitment" (read keep it expensive so I can buy my win) will not like it because there will be more slower cars starting class racing.
-People that just can't handle change. That isn't something to just dismiss, we are all against change to some extent.
-People that are really successful with the current system. (hmm. 1 winner, 59 losers.....)
I'm not talking a rule change here. I'm talking run this around, get some input, maybe try it at some local brackets for Top/Mod/Street eliminations for a night winner.
Maybe Mike Beard could put it in one of his big bracket races on a Thursday before the big event or whatever. Maybe make it a side event as part of next year's NCN. Could be a good promoting gimmick. Of course, Mike is good at driving the stripe so he probably won't like it...
To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.
Winston Churchill
Let the flames begin....yeah, I know it's crazy...