fca empire region

From what I've heard, the changes have been in the works for some time and have nothing to do with the PCA incident that occurred recently. A few changes had been made in the last 2 years as a result of the incident in California, but that was mostly with the requirements for waivers and being more diligent about making sure the track was clear before sending run groups out and controlling overly agressive drivers.

So far, I've seen some vague emails about the Empire Region events changing, but don't know any details. What I've heard, at some (possibly all) of the events, they are increasing the number of run groups, which would likely cut down on the amount of track time that we get. In the past, FCA-ER events were great, as there were three run groups, and you got usually 6 20-minute sessions per day (two hours or more of track time). If they increase the number of run groups, that likely means less track time, for the same or more money.

I don't know what other changes they are planning. The information coming from the Region has been very sparse. Feeling like a mushroom at the moment. Hopefully, someone in the know will provide some meaningful information. Track season is approaching fast, and have to start planning which events to attend.

 

I just rec'd this email today and thought I'd share - seems to clarify many questions and rumors:

Dear Fellow Members of the FCA / EmpireState, Penn-Jersey and New England Regions:

As spring has sprung in the Northeast, thoughts turn to not just bringing out our favorite cars from their hibernation, but also to bringing them to the track!

As we, Leon Bourdage and Bruce Ledoux, announced before, we have made substantial changes to the track program, and wanted to share some highlights with you, and explain why these changes have been made – and how you’ll benefit.



1. Online Registration for all of our track events will be available, starting next week!


This will enable you to register and pay online, give you immediate confirmation of enrollment, do all appropriate event paperwork instantaneously, allow you to save the dates in your online calendar, and much more.



2. We have formed a full track committee with members from both regions, to better staff and run our track events.


With more enthusiastic volunteers staffing our events, working with instructors, track officials, sponsors, vendors and other parties, we hope to provide you with a richer, more enjoyable experience at the track. Our committee aims to streamline the arrival, registration and tech inspection process, affording the participants less stress and maximum track time.



3. We will be running four (not three) separate run groups: Green, White, Blue and Red, for differing levels of experience and car speed.


As you may or may not know, FCA track events have always had four run groups, segregating drivers by experience (and to a lesser extent, the speed of their cars). In the past, the lower two run groups, Green and White, have been run together. While this does offer increased track time for participants, it also meant that novice and beginner drivers had to bear more than their fair share of the burden. In response to much popular demand, we are going to run each group in their own, separate session.


* Every driver in the Green and White run groups must have an instructor; by keeping these run groups separate, it allows each instructor to cover two students (if needed).



* There is also a tremendous speed differential between those who are driving onto the track for the first time, and those with a few events under their belts. The single biggest frustrating factor at DE events is speed differential; by having four distinct run groups, drivers can be in the run group for which they are most suited.



* Some drivers “share” one car. If both are relatively inexperienced, this change will enable couples to both enjoy a track event with just one car, without one of them being overwhelmed in the Blue group.



* On the 2nd or 3rd day of the event, as more drivers get laps under their belts, and with space permitting, we will merge run groups as appropriate, to get everyone more track time. Keep in mind, however, that any such merged run groups will be under the rules (such as passing zones) governing the less-experienced group.


As for concerns about overall run-times, we are aiming to ease that pain by running these events on-time. By making these events run more efficiently, and getting more track time from the track, we hope to make the total run-time available to each group to be as close as possible to the prior 3-run group schedule.

We are making special efforts this year to encourage more novices and beginners to come to the track; you are the life of the club and our longevity. We will be also be encouraging those who haven’t been to the track in years to reacquaint themselves with the sport.



4. Clarification of passing rules and use of the Blue – and Black flags.


We are always striving to make sure that our events are safe. This includes not only the improvements to the education aspects of the track event (discussed below), but also in enforcing rules. This is being done in coordination with the FCA National Track Chair.

Simply put, we are here to provide a safe environment for drivers to learn high performance driver’s education. This is not a substitute for racing (for which we are working on rolling out the FCA ex-Challenge races, as administered by the National board of the FCA; more details forthcoming later this year).

This means that we will be enforcing all applicable rules, particularly as to the use of the blue (passing) flag. We are not changing the definition of the blue flag; rather, we are just making sure that the blue flag will be followed and passing rules enforced.

There is no bigger point of frustration and concern at track events than passing rules. In the past, such rules have been enforced only intermittently, with some drivers following their perceived interpretation of the rules while others follow a different one. This will stop. By clarifying exactly what the rules are, and by enforcing them, all drivers will be safer, as well as having more fun.

Here is the verbatim language from our introductory materials, given to all registrants:

All groups: Point-bys MUST be given, and no pass is permitted without one. If you make a pass without a point-by (and this includes tucking in when only one point-by is given), you will be black-flagged and warned; repeated offenses will result in ejection from the event.

When you become aware of a faster car approaching, let him or her by. If you are quicker on the straights, but the other car is pushing you in the corners, LET HIM OR HER PASS! Look for the Blue flag from corner workers; if shown to you, it means you have a consistently faster car sitting behind you, waiting for a point-by signal. Failure to timely provide a point-by will result in you receiving a black flag.

A pass must be both initiated and completed within these passing zones , which are only on the straight and not exiting the corner. The driver being over-taken should visibly point to the side on which he or she will be passed. This called a Point-By. Generally, the car being passed will maintain its position on the line, while slowing to facilitate the pass (yes, that means lifting off the throttle). The car over-taking must wait to be pointed by before maneuvering around the slower car, and must also determine before pulling along side whether there is adequate space to complete the pass within the passing zone.

If a driver fails to follow the rules of the event after given due warning, he or she will be asked to leave. This will be determined by the track chair, chief steward and/or the chief instructor. Lives are at stake here; would you want to continue driving on the same track with someone who fails to heed safety rules?


5. Reminder – our events are open to all vehicles; not limited to just Ferraris


If you have attended an ESR track event at any time over the last few years, you’ve seen vehicles from other brands, from Corvettes to Porsches to Miatas to race cars. Many of your fellow FCA members and Ferrari owners nevertheless have track cars of other makes.

Our policy is simple, and remains unchanged from prior practice: registration priority goes to FCA members driving Ferraris and Maseratis. If there is space available, then we will permit –encourage— cars of other makes to be entered.



6. Our focus is on High Performance Driver’s Education. We are also going to offer a new, advanced-level, racing education program.


The primary goal behind the changes we’re making is, again, to improve safety. We are also making available education on racing techniques, to those who have been running in Red for a few years and are contemplating running in the new FCA sanctioned retired-Challenge races.

Here is the verbatim language from our introduction, to be given to all registrants:

THIS IS NOT A RACING DRIVER’S SCHOOL. It is a high performance driving school, conducted on a race track under close supervision by experienced instructors. You will learn the cornering and braking capabilities of your vehicle. This will help prepare you for emergencies. You will have an opportunity to explore your own capabilities and those of your vehicle. At no time will you be pushed or encouraged to go any faster than is comfortable for you. If you have any condition or limitation which we may be better able to accommodate by advance planning, please contact us as soon as possible so that we may be better prepared to help make your experience educational, safe and fun. The Track Chair and Chief Instructor reserve the right to expel any individual from the event at any time and for any reason. This is a driver’s education school and is not practice for any racing or speed contest.

Furthermore:


* Accordingly, we are reminding everyone that classroom attendance is mandatory for White and Green groups, and to a lesser extent, for Blue and Red groups. Fail to attend a mandatory class, and you don’t drive the next session.



* As noted, we are increasing the number of instructors available, as well as the requirements for all White and Green drivers to run with instructors. Blue drivers must get a sign-off from an instructor before being allowed to solo.



* We will be providing every registrant with pre-event education and information packages, so that they can study beforehand. We will also be assigning instructors ahead of time and encouraging pre-event communications, so that many questions can be asked and answered then, rather than in the 5 minutes before the flag flies.



* As part of the revamp of the instructor-student relationship, we will be adding feedback forms, for each party to review the other. This will allow us to improve the quality of our instructors, as well as allowing students to receive written comments on the areas in which they excel and those that need improvement.



* For those experienced, qualified Red group drivers, we will indeed be making available “introduction to racing” classes and on-track exercises. This will be helpful for those who wish to participate in the FCA Challenge races at future events, as well as providing more fun to those drivers who now know each of our tracks by heart. These programs are purely optional.




7. Clarification of our Tech Inspection and Grid Inspection policies


Inspections to ensure the safety of your vehicle for track use are a crucial aspect of the event’s overall safety. In the past, registrants received differing interpretations as to what the requirements were, and how inspections were to be conducted. So, to clarify:

· Pre-event “tech” inspections are mandatory. All students in all run groups are required to have their cars inspected by a qualified shop (whether a dealer or an independent). This is the full vehicle inspection of all relevant parts. They must have their tech inspection form signed, and the form in hand when they show up at the track.

· At-event “grid” inspection. With their signed tech inspection sheet in hand, drivers then line up on the morning of the event for final grid inspection. This is where the tech inspectors will check things like lug nut torque, working brake lights, etc. Only upon satisfaction of both of these inspection processes will a driver be permitted to run.

We will have grid inspections set up to be run more efficiently and timely, including offering grid inspections at the event hotel the evening before, so as to avoid having a line of cars still awaiting tech inspection while the track is open, as has happened so frequently in the past.



8. Clarification of passenger policy.


Contracts with the racetrack dictate whether passengers are permitted. Some tracks permit non-instructor passengers, while others do not. We must, of course, follow the dictates of each track. At those tracks where passengers are permitted, advanced drivers with approval from the chief steward or chief instructor will be allowed to take passengers out. While having a passenger does elevate the risk for those involved, we understand the appeal in being able to go for a ride, and will be working to make this work on a safe basis for everyone.



9. Changes to the traditional Labor Day event at Watkins Glen International.


This is one of the most exciting bits of news for this year. Ferrari North America will be bringing the 430 Challenge and Historic Challenge to Watkins Glen this Labor Day weekend, and our regular track event will be part of the four-day festivities!

Some of you may recall when the Ferrari North America joined the FCA in co-hosting club DE events with the Challenge series at Lime Rock for a couple of years. While this resulted in somewhat less time on the track for the entrants, they were compelling events for many reasons, among them the ability to witness GTOs and Daytonas going wheel-to-wheel, and the enjoyment of the vendors and hospitality made available by Ferrari’s participation. We are adding an extra day (Thursday) to the event schedule, and aim to provide DE drivers with nearly as much track time as would otherwise occur.

Thank you all for reading this letter.

2010 looks to be an exciting year for our club’s track events. We hope to see all of you at the track – don’t miss out on the fun!

Sincerely,

Leon Bourdage Bruce Ledoux
Regional Director Track Chair
EmpireState Region EmpireState Region

cc: Al DeLauro, President, FCA
Rick Race, National Track Chair
Don Ambrose, Chairman, FCA
John Hurabiell, Legal Counsel to the FCA
Sam Hallowell, Regional Director, New England Region
Dennis Liu, Chief Instructor, New England Region
Pietro Castiglioni, Regional Director, Penn-Jersey Region
Mike Sassaman, Chair, FCA 2010 Meet

 

Have been to quite a few FCA / Empire State events and Bob Coates runs very good events. The classroom instructors are the best guys in the area and sometimes you get some really, really impressive guest speakers. Yes rules can change to make things safer and as fair as possible to everyone. The more one tracks, the more one realizes safety is key. So sign up and go have fun in your Ferrari and at the same time learn about car control and other very important factors about driving.

 

Bob Coates and Co run great events.

Sure wish they'd lose the "ex-Challenge/retired Challenge" BS - is that just to make FNA happy?

 

Bob Coates has been removed from the FCA Track chair both at the regional and national levels. More to come.

 

To elaborate: After FCA President Al DeLauro honored Bob Coates by presenting him the first ever Distinguished Service Award given by the Ferrari Club last August at the FCA Annual Meet, Leon Bourdage, decided to have Bob step aside and asked someone else to take over running Empire State region track events. While I do not have direct knowledge as the political reasons behind this move, I know I, as well as many others, especially the track event drivers, are most upset. This, coupled with the fact that Leon Bourdage was never elected regional director in the first place but rather appointed, which in itself violates the FCA bylaws that state that a regional director must be elected, has caused much concern with members of the Empire State and other regions.

Several emails have been sent over the last few weeks, primarily to the participants and past sponsors of the Empire track events. The purpose of the emails was to state the issues currently facing the Empire Track events. Last week, I received a response that strikes to the core of the issues.

------------------------

Paul. Feel free to share this

For the record I will weigh in to say what's occurred is nothing short of disgraceful. And that is a mild assessment. The fact that a small and unelected group can take over a region without so much as an opportunity for members to have their say speaks both to their insidiousness but also to the blind eye of the national. This is an owners club. We are not some collection of misfits to be governed over. Where's the opportunity for us to have been heard? This is an outrageous abuse of power. A coup. It cannot stand.
The decisions that have been made reflect self-dealing and therefore are unprincipled. And the folks making them should be made to account.

- Ben

----------------------

Saturday, a meeting was held consisting of over 38 Empire track event drivers and sponsors. To a person, all are upset with what has recently transpired within the Empire Region. Subsequently, a letter was drafted to be sent to the FCA Board voicing our displeasure and calling for a legitimate vote be held for the Empire State Region Directorship. Additional actions were also decided upon and are currently being initiated.

All the above should not happened and would not have happened if the leadership paid attention to the membership.

 

Such drama.

BigBoy wrote:

"I just rec'd this email today and thought I'd share - seems to clarify many questions and rumor"

But BigBoy apparently is Bruce LeDoux, who signed the email he posted, so the "hey look what I just got" tone is a little odd, right?

And now you have warring groups holding separate meetings?

Just my thoughts: really, except for the entertainment value, which will ramp up quickly, no one cares about this. You guys had a great thing going, wonderful track events under Bob Coates, I attended a couple and greatly enjoyed them. Get your act together. It's a club, supposed to be about fun. This kind of things drives people away, in my experience it's the worst aspect of PCA and SCCA.

 

Boy oh boy. I think there is plenty going on here, lots of personalities and egos.

I'd say that if you compared and contrasted a BMW or Porsche club day and an FCA day, you might see the difference between the german and italian level of organization.

With deaths at track events recently (PCA), and a number of incidents causing accidents at FCA events that were perhaps dealt with casually it seems this is a national level FCA issue.

Bob's been doing his things his way for many years and much fun has been had. Its probably time for a rather more anally retentive approach to track days.

 

WCH - I agree.

Dan360 - I've been to quite a few Empire track events and I do not recall " a number of incidents causing accidents at FCA events". Perhaps you can elaborate? From all the drivers that I have talked to at the various track events, the consensus is the Empire events are the safest. Do you have actual data to the contrary?

BTW, I'm told your car looks just like Bruce LaDouxs.

 

We have FCA elections here, but the same people always win.......

A 'changing of the guard' would be a REAL eyebrow raiser....

Good to luck to everyone....

 

I also agree with WCH's comments, that this is something that should just be moved on from and we should get back to the track, all the guys I've hung out with at LRP or the Glen have all been fun and the events have generally been great fun. Its a thankless job to do for no pay.

I wasn't referring to just our region, in particular we had the death in CA of the guy in the Carrera GT. If you're looking for an anecdote from our region, the most obvious one that springs to mind is that I've seen Bob himself deliberately brake check someone who he wouldn't give a point by to when driving his 512 @ the Glen.

When confronted in the garage used words to the effect "you're damn right I brake checked him he was all over my bumper". Clearly there's two issues at play there and both drivers were probably at fault, but it wasn't a deeply impressive scene to be present in the garage for when one of them was the track chair.

I'm not an insider to the conversations within the FCA in any way, although I know most of the characters involved - I'm simply speculating that having seen what I've personally seen at the track and what's happened nationally, I'm not entirely surprised that its considered time for a new approach.

It certainly doesn't sound that the transition has been managed sensitively at the local level where you guys are.

Not sure what you mean about my car and Bruce's?

 

I got that email as well.

Messieurs Bourdage & Ledoux

I find this email misleading and offensive. It implies that there have been serious problems with years worth of previous track events I've attended and enjoyed.
I've been going to track events on the east cost since 1997. Most have involved Ferraris even if they haven't all been FCA events. Personally, I've never attended a perfect event and If anyone tells you they have been to a perfect event then they're lying.
I have been to poorly run events in the past, and unfortunately have paid the price. None were FCA events. I am very concerned with safety and I take no back seat to anyone when it comes to pointing out issues with driver behavior on the track.
You can generate all the rules & regulations you like, but in the end it boils down to judgment and personal behavior. A driver is mostly in charge of his own safety.
A car's mechanical readiness and the driving skill/behavior are the responsibility of the driver. You also better be aware of what other drivers are like and might do, as well as what condition their cars appear to be in. Rules, regulations and inspections certainly help, but you're not going to be terribly impressed with the fact that someone is thrown out of an event after they endangered your life and or damaged your car.

I've been following this melodrama for almost 2 years now and it goes back even further than that. So by now most of us have a pretty good idea how and why this has all happened. It's clearly not based upon any widespread source of complaints. You guys just did this ... You've also made certain that we had no say.

From what I've heard, others have subsequently signed petitions to raise issue with what you're doing and there's been zero response after repeated emails, phone calls and even personal interventions by former FCA NE region officials.

It seems that though you guys aren't even elected, you are quite willing to dictate.

So now you come on with the big happy face about how you're going to do great things for all of us.

OK, let's review your proposed improvements (referencing your original points) .

1. Online Registration: Oh whoopee! It puts it on my calendar. You think I'm actually going to forget such a major undertaking as preparing for a track event? Most track guys can't wait to get back on the track and have their driving suite, helmet and Hans device in the trunk of their car JUST IN CASE! Well, maybe just sitting by the front door ...

In the past when I've scheduled events there have been times when I wasn't certain I could make it due to issues with my car or scheduling conflicts. Bob Coates has always been very accommodating and provided great personal service. He said "Don't worry about it. If you can get here we'd love to have you come. And I won't charge you the late fee. But don't tell anyone else about that." Sorry Bob the cat's out of the bag on that one. I'm pretty sure he made the same offer to anyone in similar circumstances. An automated website won't replace that level of personal service, but it will ensure maximum revenues for the event , no matter what.

I believe the Empire State Region 's track events have been reasonably financially successful under his direction and yet they were never about making money. In short, costs have been kept under control and if you needed a personal accommodation he was very fair. If Ferrari owners value anything it's the idea of exceptional personal service associated with owning a Ferrari. I think we've gotten that over the years from Bob Coates. Caryn too!

2. Staffing: More help is great. I wasn't aware that there wasn't enough. Perhaps I was just so focused on getting my car attended to? We've always depended greatly on the local personnel associated with the track for corner workers. For Watkins Glen and Limerock they've always been exceptionally professional. Unfortunately I have been at events where this was not the case. Volunteers that weren't qualified or properly trained were involved in on-track duties. I incurred a lot damage as a result. So I do hope the volunteers are for coffee, donuts, registration and nothing requiring professional expertise.

3. Four Run Groups: Four run groups in most cases is a complete waste of time. Other times you may have 15, 20, or more brand new people on the track. That hasn't been typical in recent years, but if you're fortunate and do get a large number of new attendees then you make changes as the situation dictates. Someone with a lot of experience knows how and when to deal with this. They don't flatly state there will be four run groups.

Now I've never been to any event where a white driver has been required to have an instructor at all times. Typically, most white drivers DO want an instructor, just not the entire time. And .... if the event director is that concerned about someone he can always insist on one or simply bump them back to Green. It also depends on the track. While I've been participating with this club, if you run in Blue at some tracks and then show up at the Glen as a newbie, you're put out in White with an instructor or at least a few sessions of point and follow with an instructor in another car. From what I've observed they've been very attentive in these situations.

Some people have cars that are not the modern rocket ships currently being manufactured. They may well be a Blue or Red driver but would prefer running in White or Blue.

Your rules give one the impression of being very strict, but also too rigid. Everyone wants to be safe. So maybe you could think about this one a bit more ?


4. Clarification of Rules: I'm not aware that we had any problems in this respect. We have had regular classroom instruction on this topic and even had unannounced tests on the track:

Black flagging a session
Red flagging a session
Then a follow-up classroom discussions to see how we all did.

You make it sound as though the approach to all of this has been haphazard.

The only place I've experienced issues with people not letting you by is at Pocono where you tend to get a lot of "less talented drivers" with big pocket books that are absolute geniuses on the two long straights and a PITA in the turns. If someone does exhibit behavior that's causing frustration it's usually worked out in the classroom sessions. The idea of having a corner worker issue a blue flag and then, if you don't promptly let the person pass, you receive a black flag is too simplistic in my view.. Most everyone except real rookies quickly realize what's happening. I know I've come flying up behind someone and decided not to pass as soon as a point-by is given. So then the next corner worker gets to black flag the guy in front? If a guy isn't comfortable with giving me a point-by right away it won't drive me crazy. I'd rather have him well aware AND comfortable with my pass than worrying about whether he's going to get black flagged if he doesn't let me go by right away even though he's currently focusing on driving .

I'm not sure if you meant this rule to sound this way or you just haven't thought it through? I think this is mostly a non issue unless someone is trying to set a personal best lap time and is annoyed with some slower cars on the track screwing up their uber lap. In that case it's time for them to back off, go into the pits or go home.

6. High Performance Driver's Education: Sign off for a Blue driver to go solo? I guess this ties in with White having a mandatory instructor on board at all times. You're going to need to have an awful lot of instructors which if they're paid (i.e. real professionals) is going to make for a much more expensive event. If they're volunteers, yeah right, that means free track time in red or an instructors session, both of which mean less track time for the PAYING participants with so many additional instructors.

The introduction to racing "sounds" OK for those Red drivers that want to participate. Will this be occurring within the regular Red run groups? Is that a good idea? If it takes run sessions from the other groups maybe that's not something the majority want?

You could always break form here and ask us about this ahead of time ...

Is it wise to have guys now focused on racing mingling the rest of the time with the rest of us? Maybe they should just attend a real racing school?

9. Changes to Labor Day at the Glen: So let's see, 4 days instead of 3 thus at least 1/3 more expensive for just the track fee. Undoubtedly we will be taking a back seat every day to the Challenge participants. I kind of doubt we'll end up with anywhere near as much track time as we' ve had in the past.. I've been to the Limerock event when the Challenge was run and I left my car home for that reason. I agree it can be interesting when the Historics are run but as far as I know they're no longer included so it will only be 430C cars. Not nearly as interesting. As a one time thing I guess it's OK but every year, no.

Frankly, this outline of "supposed" problems and improvements sounds an awful lot like a post justification for some economic or political aspirations perpetrated while the members were left completely out of the loop ...

If you were to poll ALL the members and convene a meeting I'd think you find that most of us are reasonably satisfied with how Bob Coates has been running these events.

In short gentlemen, I believe you have screwed the pooch on this one and pissed off a lot of FCA members in the NE area. You have some splainin' to do Lucy!

Time for a reset and start over with the members. I doubt anyone is completely closed to improvements or new ideas but given the venal method utilized to execute your proposed changes, is it any wonder why people are mad?

Item number 2 sounds OK, so how about including the membership instead of your hand picking them? Item 7 sounds great!

Bob Staaterman

-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Friday, March 26, 2010 11:14 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Open letter: exciting changes to FCA/ESR Track Events




Dear Fellow Members of the FCA / EmpireState, Penn-Jersey and New England Regions:

As spring has sprung in the Northeast, thoughts turn to not just bringing out our favorite cars from their hibernation, but also to bringing them to the track!

As we, Leon Bourdage and Bruce Ledoux, announced before, we have made substantial changes to the track program, and wanted to share some highlights with you, and explain why these changes have been made – and how you’ll benefit.


Online Registration for all of our track events will be available, starting next week!

This will enable you to register and pay online, give you immediate confirmation of enrollment, do all appropriate event paperwork instantaneously, allow you to save the dates in your online calendar, and much more.


We have formed a full track committee with members from both regions, to better staff and run our track events.

With more enthusiastic volunteers staffing our events, working with instructors, track officials, sponsors, vendors and other parties, we hope to provide you with a richer, more enjoyable experience at the track. Our committee aims to streamline the arrival, registration and tech inspection process, affording the participants less stress and maximum track time.


We will be running four (not three) separate run groups: Green, White, Blue and Red, for differing levels of experience and car speed.

As you may or may not know, FCA track events have always had four run groups, segregating drivers by experience (and to a lesser extent, the speed of their cars). In the past, the lower two run groups, Green and White, have been run together. While this does offer increased track time for participants, it also meant that novice and beginner drivers had to bear more than their fair share of the burden. In response to much popular demand, we are going to run each group in their own, separate session.

Every driver in the Green and White run groups must have an instructor; by keeping these run groups separate, it allows each instructor to cover two students (if needed).

There is also a tremendous speed differential between those who are driving onto the track for the first time, and those with a few events under their belts. The single biggest frustrating factor at DE events is speed differential; by having four distinct run groups, drivers can be in the run group for which they are most suited.

Some drivers “share” one car. If both are relatively inexperienced, this change will enable couples to both enjoy a track event with just one car, without one of them being overwhelmed in the Blue group.

On the 2nd or 3rd day of the event, as more drivers get laps under their belts, and with space permitting, we will merge run groups as appropriate, to get everyone more track time. Keep in mind, however, that any such merged run groups will be under the rules (such as passing zones) governing the less-experienced group.

As for concerns about overall run-times, we are aiming to ease that pain by running these events on-time.. By making these events run more efficiently, and getting more track time from the track, we hope to make the total run-time available to each group to be as close as possible to the prior 3-run group schedule.

We are making special efforts this year to encourage more novices and beginners to come to the track; you are the life of the club and our longevity. We will be also be encouraging those who haven’t been to the track in years to reacquaint themselves with the sport.


Clarification of passing rules and use of the Blue – and Black flags.

We are always striving to make sure that our events are safe. This includes not only the improvements to the education aspects of the track event (discussed below), but also in enforcing rules. This is being done in coordination with the FCA National Track Chair.

Simply put, we are here to provide a safe environment for drivers to learn high performance driver’s education. This is not a substitute for racing (for which we are working on rolling out the FCA ex-Challenge races, as administered by the National board of the FCA; more details forthcoming later this year).

This means that we will be enforcing all applicable rules, particularly as to the use of the blue (passing) flag. We are not changing the definition of the blue flag; rather, we are just making sure that the blue flag will be followed and passing rules enforced.

There is no bigger point of frustration and concern at track events than passing rules. In the past, such rules have been enforced only intermittently, with some drivers following their perceived interpretation of the rules while others follow a different one. This will stop. By clarifying exactly what the rules are, and by enforcing them, all drivers will be safer, as well as having more fun.

Here is the verbatim language from our introductory materials, given to all registrants:

All groups: Point-bys MUST be given, and no pass is permitted without one. If you make a pass without a point-by (and this includes tucking in when only one point-by is given), you will be black-flagged and warned; repeated offenses will result in ejection from the event.

When you become aware of a faster car approaching, let him or her by. If you are quicker on the straights, but the other car is pushing you in the corners, LET HIM OR HER PASS! Look for the Blue flag from corner workers; if shown to you, it means you have a consistently faster car sitting behind you, waiting for a point-by signal. Failure to timely provide a point-by will result in you receiving a black flag.

A pass must be both initiated and completed within these passing zones , which are only on the straight and not exiting the corner. The driver being over-taken should visibly point to the side on which he or she will be passed. This called a Point-By. Generally, the car being passed will maintain its position on the line, while slowing to facilitate the pass (yes, that means lifting off the throttle). The car over-taking must wait to be pointed by before maneuvering around the slower car, and must also determine before pulling along side whether there is adequate space to complete the pass within the passing zone.

If a driver fails to follow the rules of the event after given due warning, he or she will be asked to leave. This will be determined by the track chair, chief steward and/or the chief instructor. Lives are at stake here; would you want to continue driving on the same track with someone who fails to heed safety rules?

Reminder – our events are open to all vehicles; not limited to just Ferraris

If you have attended an ESR track event at any time over the last few years, you’ve seen vehicles from other brands, from Corvettes to Porsches to Miatas to race cars. Many of your fellow FCA members and Ferrari owners nevertheless have track cars of other makes.

Our policy is simple, and remains unchanged from prior practice: registration priority goes to FCA members driving Ferraris and Maseratis. If there is space available, then we will permit –encourage— cars of other makes to be entered.


Our focus is on High Performance Driver’s Education. We are also going to offer a new, advanced-level, racing education program.

The primary goal behind the changes we’re making is, again, to improve safety. We are also making available education on racing techniques, to those who have been running in Red for a few years and are contemplating running in the new FCA sanctioned retired-Challenge races.

Here is the verbatim language from our introduction, to be given to all registrants:

THIS IS NOT A RACING DRIVER’S SCHOOL.. It is a high performance driving school, conducted on a race track under close supervision by experienced instructors. You will learn the cornering and braking capabilities of your vehicle. This will help prepare you for emergencies. You will have an opportunity to explore your own capabilities and those of your vehicle. At no time will you be pushed or encouraged to go any faster than is comfortable for you.. If you have any condition or limitation which we may be better able to accommodate by advance planning, please contact us as soon as possible so that we may be better prepared to help make your experience educational, safe and fun. The Track Chair and Chief Instructor reserve the right to expel any individual from the event at any time and for any reason. This is a driver’s education school and is not practice for any racing or speed contest.

Furthermore:

Accordingly, we are reminding everyone that classroom attendance is mandatory for White and Green groups, and to a lesser extent, for Blue and Red groups. Fail to attend a mandatory class, and you don’t drive the next session.

As noted, we are increasing the number of instructors available, as well as the requirements for all White and Green drivers to run with instructors. Blue drivers must get a sign-off from an instructor before being allowed to solo.

We will be providing every registrant with pre-event education and information packages, so that they can study beforehand. We will also be assigning instructors ahead of time and encouraging pre-event communications, so that many questions can be asked and answered then, rather than in the 5 minutes before the flag flies.

As part of the revamp of the instructor-student relationship, we will be adding feedback forms, for each party to review the other. This will allow us to improve the quality of our instructors, as well as allowing students to receive written comments on the areas in which they excel and those that need improvement.

For those experienced, qualified Red group drivers, we will indeed be making available “introduction to racing” classes and on-track exercises. This will be helpful for those who wish to participate in the FCA Challenge races at future events, as well as providing more fun to those drivers who now know each of our tracks by heart. These programs are purely optional.


Clarification of our Tech Inspection and Grid Inspection policies

Inspections to ensure the safety of your vehicle for track use are a crucial aspect of the event’s overall safety. In the past, registrants received differing interpretations as to what the requirements were, and how inspections were to be conducted. So, to clarify:

· Pre-event “tech” inspections are mandatory. All students in all run groups are required to have their cars inspected by a qualified shop (whether a dealer or an independent). This is the full vehicle inspection of all relevant parts. They must have their tech inspection form signed, and the form in hand when they show up at the track.

· At-event “grid” inspection. With their signed tech inspection sheet in hand, drivers then line up on the morning of the event for final grid inspection. This is where the tech inspectors will check things like lug nut torque, working brake lights, etc. Only upon satisfaction of both of these inspection processes will a driver be permitted to run.

We will have grid inspections set up to be run more efficiently and timely, including offering grid inspections at the event hotel the evening before, so as to avoid having a line of cars still awaiting tech inspection while the track is open, as has happened so frequently in the past.


Clarification of passenger policy.

Contracts with the racetrack dictate whether passengers are permitted. Some tracks permit non-instructor passengers, while others do not. We must, of course, follow the dictates of each track. At those tracks where passengers are permitted, advanced drivers with approval from the chief steward or chief instructor will be allowed to take passengers out. While having a passenger does elevate the risk for those involved, we understand the appeal in being able to go for a ride, and will be working to make this work on a safe basis for everyone.


Changes to the traditional Labor Day event at Watkins Glen International.

This is one of the most exciting bits of news for this year. Ferrari North America will be bringing the 430 Challenge and Historic Challenge to Watkins Glen this Labor Day weekend, and our regular track event will be part of the four-day festivities!

Some of you may recall when the Ferrari North America joined the FCA in co-hosting club DE events with the Challenge series at Lime Rock for a couple of years.. While this resulted in somewhat less time on the track for the entrants, they were compelling events for many reasons, among them the ability to witness GTOs and Daytonas going wheel-to-wheel, and the enjoyment of the vendors and hospitality made available by Ferrari’s participation. We are adding an extra day (Thursday) to the event schedule, and aim to provide DE drivers with nearly as much track time as would otherwise occur.

Thank you all for reading this letter.

2010 looks to be an exciting year for our club’s track events. We hope to see all of you at the track – don’t miss out on the fun!

Sincerely,

Leon Bourdage Bruce Ledoux
Regional Director Track Chair
EmpireState Region EmpireState Region

cc: Al DeLauro, President, FCA
Rick Race, National Track Chair
Don Ambrose, Chairman, FCA
John Hurabiell, Legal Counsel to the FCA
Sam Hallowell, Regional Director, New England Region
Dennis Liu, Chief Instructor, New England Region
Pietro Castiglioni, Regional Director, Penn-Jersey Region

 

Well played.......good luck!

 

For years I was president of a Jaguar club. Each year we would meet in a bar, drink a few pints, and discuss the upcoming season. The first person to go to the men’s room would come back to find himself voted president, as well as chairman for one or two events.

 

LOL!

 

That IS funny Paul. Gotta keep a sense of humour. So are you saying all we really need here is just a bathroom break to relieve those who are pissed off?

Bob S.

 

democracy at its finest

 

Agreed.

 

Dan360 wrote about an incident where Bob Coates brake checked someone. I spoke to Bob and he said he never posts anything on Ferrari Chat and was not going to get drawn into this. He told me exactly what happened and he did indeed brake check the guy. The circumstances were that at the 2007 FCA Annual Meet at Watkins Glen, in 2 consecutive sessions drivers came to Bob in very agitated states because while they were following the rules and waiting for a point by while behind a couple of cars someone driving a red, 360 Modena caught the train and parked himself a couple of feet off the rear bumper of the last car in the group of cars who were all following the rules and waiting for a point by signal. Bob spoke to the Modena driver and explained to him that the cars in front of him were all waiting for point bys but that while they were waiting they all were keeping a reasonably safe distance between each other. After all, what is the point of bunching up and reducing your safety margin. The Modena driver explained to Bob that his instructor had been urging him to keep pushing. The conversation ended with the Modena driver assuring Bob that this would not happen again.



It was now time for lunch. As lunch was ending Bob decided it best to call a short drivers' meeting and speak to everyone about not tailgating in situations like just described. Both Bob and long time and highly respected Empire State Region Chief Instructor Tony Funicello discussed this issue quite thoroughly with all the drivers. The very next session Bob went out on the track in the blue group. As he entered the Toe of the Boot he caught a couple of cars in a train and simply fell in behind them and, like the drivers, was waiting for a point by. As Bob was exiting the Toe of the Boot he checked his mirror and saw the Modena flying up behind him. Bob told me he genuinely thought that the Modena was going to hit him. He said the Modena came within what he deemed to be less than 2 feet of the rear of Bob’s car & then kept moving left and right and the entire time always staying just inches off the rear of bob’s car. Where did he expect Bob to go? For a moment Bob sped up a bit to create more space but the Modena sped up as well & all Bob had accomplished was to reduce his, as well as everyone else's, safety margin.



So let's assess the situation. Bob had just spoken one on one to the Modena driver, Bob immediately followed that with a drivers' meeting where the only topic was how to behave in this very situation and now, the very driver who all this was about is tailgating him in his $1,000,000 plus one of a kind historic race car. Bob wanted the guy off my bumper and he wanted him off immediately. Bob downshifted to third and then simultaneously punched the gas pedal and tapped his brake pedal, lighting up his brake lights. Guess what? The Modena was no longer on his bumper and was now maintaining a proper distance.



When the session was over Bob went to where the Modena was garaged to speak to the driver yet again. The driver wasn't there but his instructor was. The instructor came over and was shouting that Bob had brake checked him. Bob said you're damn right he did and asked him just exactly where he expected Bob to disappear to. Bob explained that he had just spoken to the driver before lunch and then about the meeting and then in the very next session history repeats itself as though nothing had ever been said. Bob said absolutely he brake checked the guy. Absolutely he yelled at the guy. And absolutely he exercised the best available option he had. Did the instructor expect Bob to close to within 2 feet of the car in front of him? I suppose that is what Dan360, whoever you are, would have done.



The post by Dan360 about this brake checking incident is simply another example of how some people twist facts, tell half truths, and try to smear good people.



PS - that was the last time that instructor instructed at an FCA event.

 

pad: I don't see the need for you to accuse me of twisting the truth.

In my original post I pointed out two people were in the wrong, but that one of them was supposed to be in charge of the event. In your more detailed description of events you basically confirm my anecdote: in short "there was a guy 2 feet behind bob and he brake checked him rather than giving him a point by".

I never said Bob was a bad person, he's worked hard and had a thankless job for many years running these track events, but I was trying to make a simple point which is the same that 95spiderman just made - a rigorous enforcement of passing, point by and safety rules is required at FCA events given what has happened nationally with people having fatal accidents, one in particular at an FCA event where the way the pit exit flagging was done was at least partly responsible for the accident. You just need to run FCA and then PCA or BMW to understand the difference.

 

FCA events 25 years ago were run by people who preached one thing and behaved differently. Have to agree that PCA is different. Could be that they churn their DE chairs more frequently.

As for the brake check incident, it was a track event for heaven's sake. If you don't want someone on your bumper, move over - even if you are waiting for a point by.

 

Hey guys let's stick to a factual argument here.

So Dan360. You might also fully identify yourself. That way people can't accuse of being this or that, just yourself.

I've heard this story as well direct from Bob but I wasn't there to see the incident and I guess your weren't either so let's start with this.

1. Did this driver do what is claimed and was everyone in the post session class "educated" on this matter? Yes or no?

2. IN a subsequent session were people lined up behind a car awaiting a point by as described by Bob?

3. Did this driver repeat this behaviour and ride Bob Coates bumper thus completely ignoring the direction in the class room session?

If any of the above are not true then we need to try and figure out who is fibbing here?

If they're all true I think this guy was way wrong. Like time to go home wrong. So OK maybe his instructor encouraged him or even ordered him to do this I don't know. From the conversation I had with Bob he gave the benefit of the doubt to the driver and ended up disagreeing with the instructor. No one wants to be taken off the track at a national.

I don't know where you get your idea of how to behave at an FCA event but if point #3 is accurate in this situation Bob was not was required or even allowed to give a point by.

I've a similar situation happen to me at Limerock when a guy in back decided to pull out just as I (first in line behind a very slow car) got a point by. I had an instructor on board at the time. Fortunately we avoided any incident and all was forgotten by the end of the weekend but there was one hell of a yelling match between my instructor and the guy who
goofed.

I do hope you're not advocating this as an OK move? Sounds more like what the aholes on the turnpike do when they come flying up on a couple of people who are waiting for someone in the left lane to move over. We drive at the track specifically to avoid that crap.

You would seem to be contradicting yourself here. You want stricter enforcement but Bob was supposed to break the rules in this case? I think the driver and instructor are pretty clearly at fault here.

BYW, I thought the event involving the horrible accident with the Carerra GT and the stupid sounding track entrance was an FOC event? http://www.sportscarmarket.com/content/carrera

So are Messieurs Bourdage, Liu & Ledoux now going to be running the FOC track events as well?

Have the FOC members been consulted on this?

Bob Staaterman.