Now here is something to think about........
..............Now the question is once down the track they have two hours to return. And those particular (FIM attempts) should not have to goto impound. Work on vehicle at end of track. They have two hours to return. If they want to utilize the time to work on the vehicle lets say for 1 1/2 hours. Do you continue to run vehicles down the course for AMA records?.................................Jon
Last year (2006) they would work on the streamliners at the end of the track at the turnaround point. What I wonder is say Ack is sitting down there getting ready to return and BUB runs in that direction. What happens if their chutes fail and they can't stop by the 11 mile mark?? Does Chris just try and steer around all of the people down there??
And then when they do return is everyone out of the way back at the 0 mile, such as the long course bikes that have been running and those waiting to run while the guys at the other end or getting ready for their return??
Also sometimes they don't want the full 2 hours to service the liner before they return.
Jon you are right that the FIM runs sure can complicate things, especially with the event growing like it has, but I don't think Dennis would put it on without them and as has been mentioned this is about the only event for the public where you can run FIM.
Now I do have the solution and e-mailed it to Dennis last year with no reply.
First run an 11 mile (when available) international course for FIM and
FIA. Yes let those car guys that want to spend the money and want to run FIA come and run. Can you think of the coverage that would garner with BUB, Ack, Sam, Burkland, Nish, etc. all running at the same meet on the same track at the same time.
Second setup a second long/short course like was run at Speed Week this year and run in
one direction only. Everyone would stage like at Speed Week at the 0 and either run to the 3 or the 5. Return runs in the morning except for the last day. AMA needs to seriously considering changing the way their record runs go if they want to promote the growth of this event.
Third if there is room setup a RWB course or have them run the long/short course just to the 2 mile.
Personally I would limit the FIA cars to ones that have shown they could run over 300 mph that would limit the cars and not end up with dozens that want to just get a FIA record. So realistcally you would have fewer bikes/cars on the FIM/FIA course than the long/short course, but the entry fees could be higher there, maybe they are now, to help pay for the cost of the course. Some of the cars that have been trying to rent the salt to run on private time would now maybe have an alternative that wouldn't cost as much and still cut the cost down for Manning.
I think with that type of "high speed" shootout for the bike and car streamliners the revenue from spectators would also go up.
Just some thoughts,
Sum