Finals ..... FTD .v. Qualifying points

[Aire valley]

Currently Finals are sorted based on points scored during Qualifying heats ( rather than the normal FTD system ) the theory being that qualifying is smoothed out and rewards consistency rather than say 3 poor rounds but one very quick one i.e. FTD .....
Any pros /cons , preferences..?
Personally, I prefer the FTD system, but there is some merit in the current system.......not sure quite why it was adopted though..

[neallewis]

Yes I much prefer the FTD or best 2/4 rather than round by round.
One bad run or unfair takeout (of which there are many in lower heats) and you an kiss a decent qualifying final position goodbye.

[Aire valley]

I agree, but it doesn't only take a poor round to make a difference. I am usually fairly consistent (albeit rather slow....! ) but generally get quicker as rounds progress.... However I have taken particular interest over the past two weeks, and on both occasions, would have ended up in a higher final based on FTD..!

[Oscar]

The biggest single influence on the FTD vs RBR is that tracks change, even indoors.
Last time out the practice and R1 were slippery, then the grip increasingly picked up right until the end.
A couple of meetings earlier saw a slippery practice, then a higher grip level which noticeably dropped away in R4 and finals.
If I have a perfect run in R1 on a slippy track, then beat my best time in R3 despite several mistakes, is that a fair way??
If you were taken out by back markers or a car failure when the track was at its peak, should that affect your final position?
In my opinion that is why FTD is no longer the norm and RBR is the better all round fair solution.

[Aire valley]

Thanks John....interesting concept..... If RBR is best, I wonder why most clubs , Regionals and Nationals are run on FTD ...?
Just trying to get some debate going...

[Robfo]

I'm not sure they are run on FTD anymore. Can't remember the last time i raced at a meeting with FTD instead of RBR.

[Mike Parker]

Originally Posted by Oscar

The biggest single influence on the FTD vs RBR is that tracks change, even indoors.
Last time out the practice and R1 were slippery, then the grip increasingly picked up right until the end.
A couple of meetings earlier saw a slippery practice, then a higher grip level which noticeably dropped away in R4 and finals.
If I have a perfect run in R1 on a slippy track, then beat my best time in R3 despite several mistakes, is that a fair way??
If you were taken out by back markers or a car failure when the track was at its peak, should that affect your final position?
In my opinion that is why FTD is no longer the norm and RBR is the better all round fair solution.

With what John has raised here hits one of the nails on the head

With changing track conditions aside, another major plus is that when it comes to the final qualifying positions it seeds the drivers who have driven quickly AND consistently throughout the day.

[Aire valley]

This is the extract from BRCA. rules..again... Quote....The Round by Round qualifying method awards points for each competitor’s position in each qualifying round individually. Highest qualifying position in each Round will score zero (0) points, second place will score two (2) points, third place three (3) points and so on. (Regional events can amend this points system subject to software compatibility). Weather/external circumstances may prevent all scheduled qualifying rounds being completed, therefore points from each driver’s best qualifying rounds are added together to determine a final qualifying position as follows :-..end Quote...

I understand this, as at the end of a Round, drivers are awarded points based on their time.. ie fastest driver gets 0 points slowest driver..IN THE ROUND.....NOT HEAT...gets ( if say 35 drivers. ) 34 points..,! Etc. etc..
Our system seems to allocate points PER HEAT... so that the third driver in Heat A gets 3 points, and the third driver in Heat B also gets 3 points..whereas he/she should get say 11 points if 8 drivers per Heat..
That was my point about something wrong in the computer program...

I do understand the merits of RBR if it works as per the BRCA...