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pit lane speed

Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 10:12 am
by jeffreyg
might I suggest that next time we are at QR pit lane speed limit is covered a little better in the drivers briefing perhaps using the track map on the white board-most club members would be lucky to see QR twice a year and we were encouraged by Doug to get out on track quickly to maximise the number of runs. In relation to passing I was not aware that the rules had changed-the rule was passing was allowed in specific areas. Has this changes to passing allowed anywhere with care?-if so not covered in the briefing.
Chiil guys-its supposed to be fun

Re: pit lane speed

Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 10:37 am
by MattR
I remember Doug mentioning at least twice in the briefing where the pit lane speed applied, which was basically from the start of the pit wall at pit entry to the end of the pit wall at pit exit, basically coinciding with some white lines across the track and also to my suprise, where the speed limit and delimit signs are bolted to walls on driver's left.

I have to ask at times do some us have hessian bags for ears or are they painted on the sides of our heads? I'm not the brightest nor most attentive person, but as I said above Doug mentioned where the speed limits were applicable at least twice in the briefing.

Now if we could get people watching mirrors so they don't hold people up through corners or so they don't have a near miss weaving down the straight to warm up tyres that are at temperature after two turns if you drive hard from the get go then I'm sure we could all be happy little vegemites :)

Re: pit lane speed

Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 10:49 am
by JBT
Image

...and see the white line across the road at the end of the pit wall in the attached image.

Re: pit lane speed

Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 12:53 pm
by zero00
Where did the gizmo go that displayed your current speed?

That sign on the barrier is about as useless as *%@# on a BULL! When I saw the 'normal' one was missing I just looked ahead, would never think to look that far left

Re: pit lane speed

Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 1:32 pm
by gslender
Perhaps rather then assume your view is correct, frequent track goers should ask newbies what they think was covered in the briefing. A LOT of information was covered in the briefing, and if the speed limit end point is important (and it would seem it is) then a very clear sign and/or mention of where it is should be made. I'm a bit peeved that the sign for 40 is shown twice, large and clear, but the "unlimited go nuts sign" isn't as obvious. I now see why I had folks up my rear. I was waiting until actually on the track, and this meant I had someone on my tail all through turn 1 and 2 until we got some straight again when the field opened up.

I plainly don't recall Doug clearly showing where you can go flat pedal during the briefing, but if all tell me he said it twice, then so be it.

As I mentioned, my first experience was having cars up my date on the first run out. 2nd time I didn't muck around, but got warned by JBT to slow down. The rest of the time I just tried to guess. I know I should have asked, but frankly I didn't think it was a big deal worth mentioning until now.

I now know, and will be equally looking for the same set of signs and markers at lakeside.

G

Re: pit lane speed

Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 1:41 pm
by corners
gslender wrote:I now know, and will be equally looking for the same set of signs and markers at lakeside.


Lakeside is slightly different again and last time I was there did not have signs on Pit Exit but is usually covered well in the drivers breif

Re: pit lane speed

Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 3:28 pm
by JBT
zero00 wrote:Where did the gizmo go that displayed your current speed?

That sign on the barrier is about as useless as *%@# on a BULL! When I saw the 'normal' one was missing I just looked ahead, would never think to look that far left

As stated in the other thread, the speed display was not there - it normally is, maybe it was broken. The derestriction sign is in plain view from the start point, as is the end of the pit wall on the right and the white line across the bitumen marking the end of the pit area.

gslender wrote:Perhaps rather then assume your view is correct, frequent track goers should ask newbies what they think was covered in the briefing.

The area speed limits and where they applied were re-iterated toward the end of the brief. I asked the question because I missed it during the brief due to latecomers to the brief :roll: - Doug was quite clear and mentioned the speed and how to identify the end of the pit area. If anything is unclear, ask at the brief. The reason I asked the question was to ensure everyone knew about the issue as QR are normally, and rightfully, very strict about it and I didn't want any of our people to get sent home. Grant, you weren't the only one that I asked to slow down and I didn't even recognise you under that helmet.

Look guys, the signs are there and the briefings were given. Let's get over it and let's make sure we and our other playmates abide by that small rule next time out.

The pit area, for track entry, at Lakeside ends at the point where you go through the guard rail gap onto the track. However, the track entry lane has other rules regarding when you may leave or enter that lane - it will be briefed on the day as it always is because it is another "go home" offence if you don't comply. If you don't hear about it - ask.

Re: pit lane speed

Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 4:24 pm
by Steampunk
it's common sense regardless if we were told or not;
- within approx 20 metres after the send-off line there are places to spectate, cars, sheds & equipment, so even though it's improbable that your car hits anyone/anything, it's not impossible.

- What's the point of gunning it straight away anyways? Is it a drag race? you are not timed until you cross the start/finish

And yes, just for the record "...end of pit wall to other end of pit wall..." WAS iterated.

Re: pit lane speed

Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 4:28 pm
by zero00
Whilst I'm NOT guilty of speeding I'm off to get my eyes checked - i NEVER saw that sign all day, only did nine runs but again, I DON'T look at the barricades, they are for advertising! I look ahead soon as I leave the pit exit

Re: pit lane speed

Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 4:39 pm
by MINX
zero00 wrote:Whilst I'm NOT guilty of speeding I'm off to get my eyes checked - i NEVER saw that sign all day, only did nine runs but again, I DON'T look at the barricades, they are for advertising! I look ahead soon as I leave the pit exit


Wearing blinkers Roger? 8)
You should be aware of your surroundings.
Looking ahead and I ALWAYS check my right hand mirrors and give a shoulder glance when joining the track, in case some speedster is racing down the str8 at 180
The red mist seems to descend and people forget common road skills.
Probably the excitement and tension.
Look around and be aware of what is going on. Take a breath. Staring at Apexes will inevitably lead to grief.

(Just checked some old videos - that De-restriction sign was there at least in April 2011)

Re: pit lane speed

Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 4:57 pm
by MINX
OK here we go
Can you see it?

This is from my archive. My first track day at QR June 2008

Image

Re: pit lane speed

Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 7:02 pm
by zero00
Never seen it before Stu, eyes ahead and then to the right when going, watching the mirrors for anyone completing the first lap - still, where has the digital readout gizmo gone?

Re: pit lane speed

Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 7:06 pm
by JBT
The speed readout box was at the BMW Club track day a month ago. Does it matter? Your eyes need to be scanning everywhere in the pits Roger.