Grid Calls / Announcer

[Kasey Lewis]

You're used to being late/last, so no change there.

If I'm far enough last, I'm first baby!

[David Proler]

If I'm far enough last, I'm first baby!

This must be why I looked so good in the last lap of my 3 races last Sunday!

[Brad Reeves]

If I'm far enough last, I'm first baby!

That's like my motto, "If you're not last, you're first!"

[Brian Millsap]

I got the notification as well. I was like WTF? I think tho is an awesome idea. Not by itself but as a supplement to the existing calls. It appears to be pretty low tech and easily implemented by the CMRA officials. I like it. Let's see how it works at TWS.

[Peter Shaddock]

Thanks Walter, for the race monitor extension! That's a great idea, but it also puts additional burden on staff to update regularly. And as Nancy points out, many folks don't have their phones handy at the races. Reception is often poor and my batteries are drained by 2PM. Also, I only have my cell phone in my leathers for jamming out during race practice, not actual races.

My opinion is a tone still would be an effective way to allow racers to cut through the mumbojumbo of announcements (which, I, actually, do really like!). An air horn or loud sound isn't necessary, just a repeatable sound over the FM / scanner we can identify as a grid call, not a shout out. It would also be easy to inform wives, friends, other racers to quiet down in anticipation of a grid call if the sound is always the same.

Cody's idea of one, two, or three tones depending on which call is brilliant.

PS, I don't actually ride with headphones. And, if there is trouble implementing this ambitious idea, I can bring a kid's xylophone or a Cowbell to TWS. Lord knows we need more cowbell.

[Brad Thomas]

I like your idea Peter about the tones before race calls. The tone will help if riders hear it, notifications via race monitor are visual.

If push notifications are added to the existing call structure I guarantee you the riders that can't hear the calls over the intercom, radio or better yet don't own a radio will be on their smart phones. It gives them a reason to have the phone handy as well.

A radio, a transponder like phones are no good if they are dead.

[Joe Rodriguez]

Scanners, scanners, scanners are your best bet for getting the calls to the grid. The track PA systems vary from ok to nonexistent. A scanner is the only way to go.

plus this
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-Tek...4530/100671268

[David Proler]

I got the notification as well. I was like WTF? I think tho is an awesome idea. Not by itself but as a supplement to the existing calls. It appears to be pretty low tech and easily implemented by the CMRA officials. I like it. Let's see how it works at TWS.

So easy even Brian can do it.

[Peter Shaddock]

plus this
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-Tek...4530/100671268

This is club racing. Why make each competitor have headsets, scanners, etc? This hobby is difficult and expensive enough as it is. Every time the club decides on a way to do something it should ask if it will increase or decrease demand for racing and spectating with the CMRA, while not impacting safety of course. If you make each rider tote a smart phone, buy a scanner, etc... people get fed up.

[Brad Reeves]

This is club racing. Why make each competitor have headsets, scanners, etc? This hobby is difficult and expensive enough as it is. Every time the club decides on a way to do something it should ask if it will increase or decrease demand for racing and spectating with the CMRA, while not impacting safety of course. If you make each rider tote a smart phone, buy a scanner, etc... people get fed up.

Club racing is expensive. Sorry if that's news to you. if you can't afford a scanner, or pit next to someone that has one, or pit next to loudspeakers, or pay $5.00 for race monitor app, club racin just may be too expensive for you.