Insomniac
07-08-04, 01:50 PM
The story is at http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/champcar/11906/
Most relevant parts:
The problem is, many drivers are decidedly skeptical about the officials’ ability to consistently follow-through on these and other issues. In addition to the interminable delay in announcing the penalties on Bourdais and Carpentier at Cleveland, officials didn’t exactly cover themselves in glory by giving Tagliani a black flag at Portland for blocking Tracy during the race, then rescinding the black flag when Tagliani refused to acknowledge the flag.
On the international television broadcast from Cleveland, vp of operations John Lopes called Tagliani’s decision to ignore the black flag “the cardinal sin” of racing in explaining why the Rocketsports driver was subsequently docked two championship points. The episode hardly inspired confidence in the Champ Car officials’ resolve among the series’ skeptics, not least of which are its drivers. In fact, one in four drivers declined to attend a “voluntary” meeting with Lopes on Friday at Cleveland, during which officiating and the penalties assessed at Portland were on the agenda.
“It’s a waste of time,” said Tracy. “I’ve been going to these meetings for 13 years and nothing ever changes. It’s just a lot of lip service.”
That is a complete joke. They let him ignore it. Ignore the numerous blue flags while driving lap after lap blocking Tracy. They only dock him 2 points (one whole position). They will never get it right.
They love to analogize their officiating to baseball. Well, why don't they start acting like them? Use the thing between your ears. If you see something that looks like blocking, assess the penalty. All decisions are final. Use your instincts in real-time. Data analysis, benefit of the doubt, tie goes to the runner, who's in charge?
Most relevant parts:
The problem is, many drivers are decidedly skeptical about the officials’ ability to consistently follow-through on these and other issues. In addition to the interminable delay in announcing the penalties on Bourdais and Carpentier at Cleveland, officials didn’t exactly cover themselves in glory by giving Tagliani a black flag at Portland for blocking Tracy during the race, then rescinding the black flag when Tagliani refused to acknowledge the flag.
On the international television broadcast from Cleveland, vp of operations John Lopes called Tagliani’s decision to ignore the black flag “the cardinal sin” of racing in explaining why the Rocketsports driver was subsequently docked two championship points. The episode hardly inspired confidence in the Champ Car officials’ resolve among the series’ skeptics, not least of which are its drivers. In fact, one in four drivers declined to attend a “voluntary” meeting with Lopes on Friday at Cleveland, during which officiating and the penalties assessed at Portland were on the agenda.
“It’s a waste of time,” said Tracy. “I’ve been going to these meetings for 13 years and nothing ever changes. It’s just a lot of lip service.”
That is a complete joke. They let him ignore it. Ignore the numerous blue flags while driving lap after lap blocking Tracy. They only dock him 2 points (one whole position). They will never get it right.
They love to analogize their officiating to baseball. Well, why don't they start acting like them? Use the thing between your ears. If you see something that looks like blocking, assess the penalty. All decisions are final. Use your instincts in real-time. Data analysis, benefit of the doubt, tie goes to the runner, who's in charge?