Passing Signals

[smankow]

there are a few points to make here.  I'll start with I fully agree with Tony on this to a degree.

I've driven in an event where passing signals were "suggested" not required.  However, passing was only on the straights.  You can get into a good rhythm when you can simply pass any car, but it can lead to bad situations.  Most of the drivers used pass signals, anyway.  But, with "open" passing, you need to use your mirrors even more than with signals.  Corner workers were very quick with the Blue flag at this event.

There are a few flips to this:

1. the corner workers should be showing the Blue flag regardless of run group[/*]
   
2. the lead car needs to use the mirrors.  I've heard from more than a few people that "you need to be right on my bumper to get a pass".  If someone is behind you for several corners (laps for some), give a pass signal.  If they don't want it they can wave it off.  It also doesn't mean that they don't EVER want a pass signal.[/*]
   
3. It's not fun sitting behind someone for several corners/laps because you don't get a pass signal.

[/*]
At SP in November, I had someone pass w/o a signal that almost led to a crash.  I was sitting behind a car from T3 to T9.  When I finally got the pass signal, the car that caught me (due to the front car) decided to pass both of us w/o any signal.  That car was at my door when I got the signal to pass.  Fortunately, I saw the other car and waited before passing or I would have moved right into his drivers door.

Open passing is ok in certain environments and ONLY when all participants are aware of it.  It is not something that I'd recommend for lower run groups.  And, I'm fine if it doesn't make it's way into RTR DE, either.

 

Steve