A request for the DRC crew

Chad Rhodes · 09-24-2011, 12:00 PM

Would it be possible to tag the density altitude for sportsman qualifying from nationals/divisionals? I think that would be valuable info that many would appreciate. Just curious

Mark Markow · 09-24-2011, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad Rhodes

Would it be possible to tag the density altitude for sportsman qualifying from nationals/divisionals? I think that would be valuable info that many would appreciate. Just curious

x's-2 that would be usefull.

Ed Wright · 09-24-2011, 02:48 PM

They often post it for pro qualifying, right?

Jim Wahl · 09-24-2011, 02:58 PM

That would be nice! Jim

.

Dan Bennett · 09-25-2011, 01:07 PM

I see none of the DRC crew has responded yet. I may be stepping in where I don't need to since I'm not working any races this year.

Yes, the Pro sessions have weather info. FastNews owns a couple of weather stations that get hauled to each national event with the rest of their equipment, whether NHRA or IHRA. The hardware needed fills a large footlocker and a smaller case. That's why you'll usually see weather listed on every class that gets to the point that the coverage is side by side at a national event.

On the non-national events, the reporter brings his own stuff. The computer, sometimes an extra monitor, the interface to the clocks, and whatever else is needed like power supplies and extension cables. Most do not own a weather station due to the cost.

In addition, there is some question as to which station needs to be used. Some of the handhelds take a LONG time to stabilize, and a reporter working solo doesn't have that time. I've seen some that would change 20% everytime the button was pushed. I firmly believe that bad weather numbers are worse than no numbers at all.

Even at the friendliest tracks, I'm not sure how many people would leave a $400 instrument laying outside, unattended. So you're faced with getting decent readings from something that's been in a very different enviroment when you dash outside between classes or during an oildown.

Regardless of how it may look from the outside, there doesn't seem to be a huge amount of profit in FastNews after all the travel and lodging expenses are paid. I have no idea of the real numbers, but I'd say it's certainly not enough to provide 8 or 10 weather stations.

09-24-2011, 12:00 PM	#1
Chad Rhodes VIP Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Where the Green Grass Grows, AL Posts: 2,375 Likes: 0 Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts	A request for the DRC crew Would it be possible to tag the density altitude for sportsman qualifying from nationals/divisionals? I think that would be valuable info that many would appreciate. Just curious __________________ Chad Rhodes 2113 I/SA

09-24-2011, 02:48 PM	#3
Ed Wright Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Sand Springs, OK Posts: 8,132 Likes: 896 Liked 389 Times in 169 Posts	Re: A request for the DRC crew They often post it for pro qualifying, right? __________________ Ed Wright 4156 SS/JA

09-24-2011, 02:58 PM	#4
Jim Wahl Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Central Florida Posts: 5,843 Likes: 663 Liked 682 Times in 128 Posts	Re: A request for the DRC crew That would be nice! Jim . __________________ Jim Wahl....NHRA #2239 S/SS - IHRA # 8 Stock, D2 Stock Champion (forever I guess) 2019 Baby Gators Stock Champion 2009 D2 National Open Stock Champion 1981 D2 West Palm Beach LDRS SS Runner Up Past President, Southern Stock / Super Stock Association.

09-25-2011, 01:07 PM	#5
Dan Bennett Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 432 Likes: 810 Liked 560 Times in 130 Posts	Re: A request for the DRC crew I see none of the DRC crew has responded yet. I may be stepping in where I don't need to since I'm not working any races this year. Yes, the Pro sessions have weather info. FastNews owns a couple of weather stations that get hauled to each national event with the rest of their equipment, whether NHRA or IHRA. The hardware needed fills a large footlocker and a smaller case. That's why you'll usually see weather listed on every class that gets to the point that the coverage is side by side at a national event. On the non-national events, the reporter brings his own stuff. The computer, sometimes an extra monitor, the interface to the clocks, and whatever else is needed like power supplies and extension cables. Most do not own a weather station due to the cost. In addition, there is some question as to which station needs to be used. Some of the handhelds take a LONG time to stabilize, and a reporter working solo doesn't have that time. I've seen some that would change 20% everytime the button was pushed. I firmly believe that bad weather numbers are worse than no numbers at all. Even at the friendliest tracks, I'm not sure how many people would leave a $400 instrument laying outside, unattended. So you're faced with getting decent readings from something that's been in a very different enviroment when you dash outside between classes or during an oildown. Regardless of how it may look from the outside, there doesn't seem to be a huge amount of profit in FastNews after all the travel and lodging expenses are paid. I have no idea of the real numbers, but I'd say it's certainly not enough to provide 8 or 10 weather stations.