Numptie
18 November 2002, 01:18
A few of us take non-Impreza people to KH. These people are also often not fully aware of how track days go or why we're there.
I take my guests out on track for passenger laps when I can but most of their time seems to be spent freezing their parts off in the pits.
They wouldn't be there if they weren't petrol-heads and they're therefore interested in many of the cars on track (i.e. the other marques which we're not prejudiced against in Scotland ;)).
I tell these folks not to hesitate to ask drivers / owners about the chances of a few passenger laps. It seems though that 4/5 times, there's a reluctance in case they're being a bit forward or bothering the driver / owner.
In reality however, I reckon a good many of us are only too happy to offer passenger laps.
On the other side of the coin however, I recognise that some participants aren't into taking strangers round. This is fine and on some days I'm the same (e.g. if I'm experimenting with something and don't want a distraction).
In summary, I reckon that there are too many empty passenger seats going round KH and Kames and too many spectators going away unfulfilled.
Solution ? - maybe we could get some stickers printed up for next year saying something like 'PAX Welcome'. The intent could be explained in the driver's briefing and peeps encouraged to pass on the message around the pits / paddock.
It'd be important though to be clear that if anyone doesn't fancy taking passengers (and therefore displaying the - sticker) that's absolutely fine.
My main reason for suggesting this is that I'm sure there are many budding track-day heros out there that just need that wee experience to spur them on. This way we'll improve interest and numbers and ultimately (and hopefully) be able to justify more events.
I'd be happy to organise the stickers if you think this is worthwhile. If I've missed something or I'm talking nonsense, let's have it. :)
I take my guests out on track for passenger laps when I can but most of their time seems to be spent freezing their parts off in the pits.
They wouldn't be there if they weren't petrol-heads and they're therefore interested in many of the cars on track (i.e. the other marques which we're not prejudiced against in Scotland ;)).
I tell these folks not to hesitate to ask drivers / owners about the chances of a few passenger laps. It seems though that 4/5 times, there's a reluctance in case they're being a bit forward or bothering the driver / owner.
In reality however, I reckon a good many of us are only too happy to offer passenger laps.
On the other side of the coin however, I recognise that some participants aren't into taking strangers round. This is fine and on some days I'm the same (e.g. if I'm experimenting with something and don't want a distraction).
In summary, I reckon that there are too many empty passenger seats going round KH and Kames and too many spectators going away unfulfilled.
Solution ? - maybe we could get some stickers printed up for next year saying something like 'PAX Welcome'. The intent could be explained in the driver's briefing and peeps encouraged to pass on the message around the pits / paddock.
It'd be important though to be clear that if anyone doesn't fancy taking passengers (and therefore displaying the - sticker) that's absolutely fine.
My main reason for suggesting this is that I'm sure there are many budding track-day heros out there that just need that wee experience to spur them on. This way we'll improve interest and numbers and ultimately (and hopefully) be able to justify more events.
I'd be happy to organise the stickers if you think this is worthwhile. If I've missed something or I'm talking nonsense, let's have it. :)