[section last updated 09.09.08]
Section VI.
In order to place in the tandem bracket, each competitor will run a series of laps through a qualifying session to earn qualifying points. The “Group” method will be used which allows small groups of drivers to qualify at the same time. Here are the advantages of group qualifying.
NOTE: For smaller events, or events with limited event staff, an alternative method is by doing Individual Qualifying. For details on this method, check the Ruleset Downloads page.
Advantages to Group Qualifying:
- Qualifying session takes less time, leaving more time for Tandem Battle
- Drivers feel less pressure by not being on the track by themselves
- More visually appealing, as there will always be multiple cars running on the track
- Less waiting time for drivers
- Track will always have cars running at different sections, for spectating purposes
Details to consider when using the “Group Qualifying” method:
- Requires one scoring judge per vehicle, or per scoring zone
- Judges must keep track of vehicle order
- Vehicle order may change if there are driving errors
- Vehicle order may change if there is a mechanical failure
A. Drivers will be separated in small groups, and each qualifying group will consist of 3-5 drivers per group.
B. Each group will run, in order, a series of laps through a qualifying session to earn qualifying points.
C. Each driver will run a total of four (4) laps for qualifying: two (2) laps of warm-up, followed by two (2) laps where they will be judged and scored. All four (4) laps will be continuous, with a specified start and finish point marked on the course.
D. The scored laps will be added together to give you your qualifying points count.
E. A specified “staging area” will be marked on the track where cars in the current qualifying group should be placed. Transmitter and car should be turned ON at this point. The driver may then go to the driving area to prepare for qualifying.
F. When a group is called to qualify, all cars in that group will qualify at the same time. A staggered start should be used to evenly space out the cars on the track, and the order of the cars should not be altered during the qualifying run.
G. If a driver must drop out of qualifying due to unpredictable mechanical failure or crash with damage, they may still return to the track after repairs if their qualifying groups is still on the track. If the rest of the group is finished, then the driver who dropped out will only receive points up to the point where they had to drop out.
H. A driver will receive a DNF (Did Not Finish) for qualifying, which results in 0 points, if one of the following occurs:
1. DNF if your name is called and it’s your turn to qualify, and your car is not on and ready in the staging area when your group is called.
2. DNF if you cannot finish your qualifying run due to mechanical failure, crash with damage, or a dead battery once your groups’ qualifying begins.
3. DNF if your vehicle is found to not be legal as per the rule set.
4. DNF if you fail to complete your qualifying run due to a discharged battery. Discharged batteries are not “unpredictable failure” since it is the drivers responsibility to make sure that their battery is fully charged and ready to go BEFORE their qualifying run begins.
I. Qualifying will take place with no breaks in between groups (other than class changes) in order to keep the schedule tight.
J. Event staff will call the upcoming drivers/groups ahead of qualifying time so that all competitors will have ample time to prepare for their run.
K. Please be ready with your car at least one group ahead of you.
L. After qualifying is completed for all drivers, the highest scoring driver (per class) will be seeded #1 in the tandem bracket, followed by the second-highest scoring driver in seed #2, etc.
M. Events may have more than one qualifying session. If there is more than one qualifying session, points will be cumulative.