Mandatory Radios

Mrs. T2 · Joined: 26 Jul 2006 Posts: 179 Location: Lansing, MI

I was wondering if Spartan has ever thought about mandatory radios for all drivers? I have found there are a number of tracks that have implemented the "mandatory use of a certain type of Raceceiver unit". It has shown many advantages, such as "line up times are cut in half, and many accidents and additions to accidents have been avoided by our drivers". I always get a little nervous when our track guys have to actually go out onto the track to tell drivers (or for any other reason like track clean-up, etc...) where they are supposed to be. Last night I thought JR was going to get a bootey reduction during the pony feature Shocked

The cost of a Raceceiver unit is about $195 with taxes and all other fees, with one track I know of renting them out at $20 per night.
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Lack o Diesel · Joined: 26 Jul 2006 Posts: 230 Location: Charlotte

Cindy,

I brought this up before and everyone thought I was on some good stuff. I think it would be a great idea.

oldgold · Joined: 14 Nov 2006 Posts: 167

We require them at I-96 and for the most part work very well . they are hard on batterys and only work about 2 weeks on that battery but we have batterys available at the pit booth.
I bought my own and it was $87 to my doorstep and if you want the high dollar headphones they are a additional $75 . they sure save time as you tell the driver where you want them or crash in turn 3 and it saves from alot of crashes.

circle8track · Joined: 06 Apr 2007 Posts: 88

as a pure stock driver I am against a mandtory radio. I think as a driver you need to learn how to listen for cars and learn how to run your own line. I don't want all the young guys in my class with their dads on the radios telling them where to block. Also I don't need any more mandatory expense. I like to drive my race car and block out the world and just be out there with my race car, the last thing I need is someone nagging in my ear while I'm trying to drive. That is my opinion, what is yours??
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Aaron Spearling
Pure Stock #8
2007 Spartan Speedway Track Champion
2006 Racin' and Rockin' Winner

Drake Racing 14 28 · Guest

arn't the radios that they use out at i96 one way radios with the only transmitting radio in the tower?

markmantyla · Joined: 09 Aug 2006 Posts: 82 Location: saint johns

I think the ones they are talking about are only used by the track...it allows the tower to yell across the radio when a caution comes out and why and where...then they read out the lineup over this radio and you get in line.....best part about it is that is a oneway radio and any yelling and cursing you do when you disagree, they can't hear that.

Lack o Diesel · Joined: 26 Jul 2006 Posts: 230 Location: Charlotte

yes these are not racing radios like nascar. one way only and the one talking is the track.

queenbee · Joined: 30 Jul 2006 Posts: 171

This is just my 2 cents Smile

I honestly think that at Spartan and Springport that we do a darn good job at getting the line ups done and the race back in order to race. Sometimes yes drivers don't go right where they are suppose to and we have to take extra time to say "hey, you go here." And please I am NOT just yelling at the drivers on this.

The incident with J.R. I do agree with you Cindy, but...I feel he needs to understand that he can't just go out there and try to move cars in this place and that place. I feel that if the drivers would watch the flagmen and the official in turn 1 that we could get them inorder even faster. I think having the track have radio's for the drivers is just another expensive that would come out and also maybe an increase in the pit cost for drivers and etc.

Like I said just my opinion Smile

Caroline

queenbee · Joined: 30 Jul 2006 Posts: 171

Also, don't think that I'm not for safety because I am...I have my husband that walks out onto the track to either get the guys in order or to talk to someone.

I am for SAFETY for sure Shocked

oldgold · Joined: 14 Nov 2006 Posts: 167

caroline that is also a saftey device for your husband as he would not have to come off the flagstand.

Lack o Diesel · Joined: 26 Jul 2006 Posts: 230 Location: Charlotte

Queenbee,

It's $180 for the radios. Racers spend more than that on books and catologs a year to see if the next best thing is out there to buy. As far as lineups go it has nothing to do with the track and the tower. Drivers tend to think they know where they go all the time. When in reality if "daddy" came on the radio and said "you go here, or you will be black flagged" just might turn some of these 8 lap line up cautions down to 2. These radios are in use other places for a reason. AVSS, IMSA, I-96, Mount Pleasant, etc.... It works, it's just like the addition of transponders, it only helps.

As far as cost goes, the way I look at it is like this. I'll spend $400 for tires to shoot for fast time on one certain night, only to burn them off in one night. But $180 for a radio that will aid in line up, caution, ect... how's it go priceless

Perry

lansingsportsrage.com · Joined: 26 Jul 2006 Posts: 1082

a scanner with a listen only ear piece is only $74.

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/p/6869,,_Pit-Crew-Racing-Scanner.html?itemNo=460105?itemNo=radio

goinincircles22 · Joined: 27 Jul 2006 Posts: 191 Location: lansing

A few weeks back I was at I-96. Just before the start of a heat race the officials stopped a car and told him that he couldnt race because his radio wasnt working. At the drivers meeting all the radios were checked out and his was working then. Not sure when it quit working but I thought it was a shame he couldnt race and he was in 2nd place in the points at the time. My vote is NO radios.
Just my opinion
John

circle8track · Joined: 06 Apr 2007 Posts: 88

Dennis ONeil · Joined: 26 Jul 2006 Posts: 426 Location: Eaton Rapids

The race receiver that is used at many tracks is simply advancement in our sport. The only thing constant in this world is change. This is a change that will be adopted by most race tracks in the near future. I would love to see it come to Spartan and Springport. Think of the how it would be if the tower were in contact with each driver with an announcement like yellow turn two, followed by go high, liquid on the track. Then the restarting order is in your ear instead of the hand signals to realign the field. Or how about if your car is smoking or a tire is going low and the tower alerts you before you tear something up worse or crash into someone or something. Not only does this improve safety, it also improves the spectator view of the show. It is not like your own personal spotter.
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Thanks
Dennis ONeil
www.oneilsauto.com

"A MIND IS LIKE A PARACHUTE.............WORKS BETTER WHEN OPEN"