Originally Posted by
cprevenas
So, I realize I am a bit late with this post, but thought I would share a Flagging and Communications perspective to the topic. First of all, I realize that all of you drivers are what makes this club tick, and without you, I would have nothing to do every weekend of the summer. For that, I am forever grateful!
Based in the Midwest, I have had the chance to work a few Runoffs at different tracks, along with other events across the country. I have been involved in F&C for 16 years, so I feel like I have a decent base to draw from. I have worked at Road America, Blackhawk Farms, Road Atlanta, Mid-Ohio, Indy, Topeka, St. Petersburg (street course), Belle Isle (street race) and the old Minneapolis street race.
The worst Runoffs I have ever been to are the two at Topeka. No offense to those that call it home, but from a workers perspective it's brutal. The stations are terrible and the weather no better. If I wanted to get my whites blown off me regardless of cold temps or warm temps, I would stand in a wind tunnel. Most tracks that are set up for multi-config do not have great worker stations. Topeka as a city was great, the track was ordinary.
Indy would be great from a nuetral site and facilities perspective, but it's so boring. F1 cars couldn't make that place cool, so think of some of the slower SCCA classes. Granted, the config has changed since I worked my last F1 race, but it's flat and slow...other than the straight away.
Personally, Mid-O was the best. Road America is home, and it makes my life easier, but I think it's too long. Some of the slower classes have a pretty long lap and from a spectator view, that would be tough to watch. Austin would be cool, if it's built.
Road America has drawn some of the highest F&C counts in Runoffs history. Mostly, because it's a track that is known around the globe and has some of the best worker stations in the world.
This is long winded and I apologize, but I agree that it should be moved around, but it has to be someplace that means something. Mid-O, Road Atlanta, Road America, Laguna...someplace that resonates. You guys are the best amatuers in the world, the championship should be at the best tracks in the world.
Just my two cents. Thanks for listening.