Running a scout race

[ljo]

Any recommendations on running a scout race for about 10 cars. We have a 3 lane Best Track with good timer, but no race management software. Previously we ran each car in each lane, averaged times and picked the winner with the best time. Is there a better way? I want to keep it simple

 

[DNA RACING]

you are on the right track, with a small number of cars, run each one down each lane 2 times and do just as you are doing.

 

[Crash Enburn]

I agree with DNA. Your question did make me wonder about the existence of an online race management software, and I found this: http://racemanager.sourceforge.net/ Not online, but open source (read: free). No idea if it works or anything else, but it could streamline things for you.

Also, is your race exclusive to the boys in the Pack? You can generate a lot of excitement and turn it into a bigger event by opening it up to Dads (and Moms) and siblings. It lets me be more willing to let my son do things to his car that leave it less pretty, or perhaps even slower (but doing *his* best), while still doing my best to make the fastest car I can (going for first place for the 3rd year in a row).

This year, our Pack is advertising the PWD at our church (who sponsors our Pack) to bring in boys not yet involved in the scouts. We're bringing in some cars from previous years for those boys to race with in their own races.

- Eric

 

[W racing]

I agree with everything said. In particular the two runs in each lane. you might consider a race off of the top 4 cars which may or may not be overkill. Give the top car a bye for the runoff... Most take the top three but that does not ensure that the three best cars make it into the final race...

 

[ljo]

We ended up with 9 cars, so it worked out great. My son won with a 3.08 avg. Did our dangdest to dip sub 3 on the 42' best track.

 

[Kinser Racing]

Congratulations on an awesome win! /images/boards/smilies/thumb.gif

 

[OPARENNEN]

I agree with everything said. In particular the two runs in each lane. you might consider a race off of the top 4 cars which may or may not be overkill. Give the top car a bye for the runoff... Most take the top three but that does not ensure that the three best cars make it into the final race...

I have been to several races already this year, and only one had a "SHOW CAR" race at the end, of the top four cars. It was great, and made the night. In that last race, they only had one run, but cars 1st and 2nd were the same, but 3rd and 4th switched places. This was on a 4 lane BestTrack.

You other race organizers -- use this as the last race. It will put more excitement than any of the other heats!