True Test of Driving Skill

[Roger Hooks Jr.]

I had often thought of what would really show how good a driver is. Could be amount of wins, records, win/loss record against other formidable drivers? But when thinking about this that data would also be dependent on how good they are at setting up boats.

So then I thought what if you had one boat and then timed different drivers on the one boat to see who could drive around the track the fastest. At a 2 lap event for example. But then I thought well if a guy was used to that style of boat he would have an edge.

So then I thought a true test of a drivers skill would be in an event like a 2 lap with a completely unfamiliar boat (someone elses even) and break a record in the first 2 laps out. No practive laps at all an no experience driving that brand of hull at all... Even better no experience driving that class of boat at all.

Has this ever been done?

 

[Mark Poole ModVP]

You would have to build a boat that NO one had ever driven as most seasoned drivers have driven many brands. And the true test would not be to give them only 2 laps with no practice but let everybody have say 15 laps with the boat before going for the timed run. That way the skill of the driver is reflected in their ability to respond to what THAT boat does. The water conditions would have to be perfect also or else the pond monster plays into it!

 

[Roger Hooks Jr.]

Interesting. I thought having no practice time would be best but I see your point with the 15 laps. Everyone has the same amount of "Acquaintance" time so it is still equal.

I had actually thought about doing an actual event like this. Maybe running it inside another event.

 

[Grimracer]

I have done this.. Mod VP.. never touched one before.. no practice laps.. Listen to the coach.. won the race..

Right Mark!.. We had a BLAST!

Grim

 

[Mark Poole ModVP]

Yes that was most impressive Mike. I just wish Ron's engine would not have quit on the second lap.

 

[Grimracer]

lol.. we were GOING! lol

That was fun!

 

[Ken Hildreth]

Grim,

You did this with Chuck Hildreth also, when you first brought out the Vegas Deuce. You handed it to Chuck at Evansville, No practice laps, Just take it and run, and he won the race.

Ken

 

[Grimracer]

Yep.. I remember.. lol.. Again.. in the hands of the right dude and its a WIN.. Chuck was GOING!..lol

Grim

 

[Kris Flynn]

5 different boats

All drivers get 1 tank of juice to learn it

Then the 1 and only shot at a 5 lap time trial.

 

[Roger Hooks Jr.]

5 different boats

All drivers get 1 tank of juice to learn it

Then the 1 and only shot at a 5 lap time trial.

That sounds cool. A manufacturer might sponsor such a thing... Hint... Hint... ; ) All a person has to do is show up. Sounds cool. What might one call such an event. "Masters" sounds most appropriate but that name is already taken. Don't plan to do such an event myself but if anyone likes the idea feel free. Just a little different way to compete but a bit more even. I like it.

 

[Kevin Krogness]

How is a timed lap going to tell you a driver's skill level? You would have to have more than a time trial...

 

[Kris Flynn]

Kevin,

We all know that someone who can drive 5 laps by themselves is way more skilled than somone who wins 5 heats of 5 laps (or 6 laps, what ever you do) racing 5-7 other boats to take home a trophy

OK, the REAL test would be

- give people 5 boats and lay out all the gear to build them.

- Have them build the boat (better wording might be 'rig it up')

- have 2 tanks of juice to set each boat up

- 1 go at 5 hot laps (or a race length)

repeat for other 2-3-4 or what ever boats

Catch: motors are already run in, props are also to be done by the person running boat...everything is supplied 'in the bag'.

NOW my vote would be to put Aaron at OZSPEC and Martin Truex head to head and see who lives!! not sure anyone else does as much work themselves as these 2 AND come away with the results, consistantly!

 

[Kevin Krogness]

I think you should add a obstacle course in the mix maybe threading the needle between some of them ****ie buoys for example!!!

 

[Kris Flynn]

Haha good point

 

[Roger Hooks Jr.]

Kevin,

We all know that someone who can drive 5 laps by themselves is way more skilled than somone who wins 5 heats of 5 laps (or 6 laps, what ever you do) racing 5-7 other boats to take home a trophy

OK, the REAL test would be

- give people 5 boats and lay out all the gear to build them.

- Have them build the boat (better wording might be 'rig it up')

- have 2 tanks of juice to set each boat up

- 1 go at 5 hot laps (or a race length)

repeat for other 2-3-4 or what ever boats

Catch: motors are already run in, props are also to be done by the person running boat...everything is supplied 'in the bag'.

NOW my vote would be to put Aaron at OZSPEC and Martin Truex head to head and see who lives!! not sure anyone else does as much work themselves as these 2 AND come away with the results, consistantly!

Including set-up would be the same as we regularly race. What you suggest here would be like one of those reality shows where they pitch one custom or motorsports garage against the next. That would be cool too but a different event.