Provisional Novice requirements, caution and race revenue

[Josh Henke]

This post from Prov Nov, Jason Chahin in another thread got me thinking of a minor change that could see a decent return.

I have a suggestion to increase participation for the prov-novs (like me). I'm new so pardon my ignorance as I'm sure there are many good reasons for the current rules, but if the rule not to crash throughout the entire event was lifted, and instead limit the no crashing rule to 2 sprints/day, I'm sure you'd have more provnos registering for >2 races in a weekend. For example, last Saturday was my first time racing, I did ULWGP and SS500 in the morning, didn't crash and packed it up by 10am, requirements met. But I wanted to keep going! I would have gladly registered for the afternoon provnov LW, F40 LW, LW twins, etc. The common wisdom for provnovs is to not risk more than 2 races/event until you meet all requirements or you have to start over if you crash. And for a provnov starting mid-season, every event counts (including corner working).

Interesting thought. Could work. Not everyone has that mindset, which I say because I didn't. I started in Round 1 of 2011 as PN, entering 5 races. I was out to win from the first green flag; I didn't. I also didn't crash. Did the same at Round 2, TWS. I did crash but kept going full bore. After the 3rd round, ECR, I completed my requirements.

The only real reason to be so cautious as a PN is to get rid of the struggle of putting on and removing the yellow shirt (and maybe the reduced air flow)! Perhaps we could make the shirts more like tank tops or "rider coach" reflective jerseys. I think it safer to have new racers wearing something as a warning to other riders. If the intent is to play it safe and merely, technically satisfy requirements, seems more dangerous for everyone once that shirt is off. If the PN jerseys were easier to deal with, perhaps more new riders would continue to wear them even after they've attained their Novice license.