UKGPL Season 20 (2010-2011) Graduates Cup (67) - Sebring (GP) - Dec 19

[vosblod]

I don't see the justification for a 2 place drop (other than this being the rule).  

Hi Bob, you have the right to appeal but I think you have hit the nail on the head there, that is the rule and penalty. The rules/penalties have been built over the eleven or so years UKGPL has been going so have stood the test of time. Of course nothing is perfect so if you have any general comments re rule changes there is a section regarding this in the season review thread.

[Hristo Itchov]

It does seem a bit harsh to me as well. I mean, he didn't cause JR's retirement, did he... nor was what he did an intentional move to take JR out. In a way it's good to teach him a lesson for the future, but it does seem a bit over the top.

I can think of several situation where I was in JR's position and had people go wide and turn back into the line as if I wasn't there. Had it not been for me anticipating it and easing off, it would've ended in a similar manner. Does that mean that I should report all those situations even if no contact occurred?

[vosblod]

That is the rule; it really doesn't matter whether John retired, scratched his bum or decided to jump out of a parachute, Bob still did it. If we start doctoring the penalties to the aftermath it would not encourage safe and great driving.

nor was what he did an intentional move to take JR out.

If anyone intentionally tried to take another driver out they wouldn't be driving with UKGPL in ANY future races.

[Hristo Itchov]

So I'll repeat my question - should/can I report each occurance of such rejoin by a driver, regardless if I managed to avoid being hit or not, and reglardless if a collision led to my retirement or not? That has the potential to lead to A LOT of protests which would decide the outcome of a race outside the track... I don't like it.

I know it's the rule, but that doesn't mean it's flawless. Do you really believe it's fair to hand over the victory to someone who couldn't beat someone else on the track and would've finished behind, with or without this situation happening? What a dirty way to win a race after it's over IMO, and if you say I can do this because the rule allows it, it still goes against my principles so I'd rather not.

I'm not saying there's no bad driving in this and that it shouldn't be punished, but the penalty should be lessened to a time penalty or staring from the back in the next race, or just a yellow card. I also think you can't classify all such situations under a single rule. It's one thing leaving or spinning off the track and doing a risky rejoin, and another to just go wide but remain on the tarmac. And in both cases it should be taken into account whether you collide with another car or not, and whether a colission causes a retirement or not.

[vosblod]

Yes you can report any incident, the rules for rejoins are here. The rejoin rule specifically addresses whether or not contact was made.

The penalties can involve a loss of places, they do not account for following drivers. I don't see anything dirty in the penalty system but it is always open to discussion.
I agree not every incident is clear cut, if it was you wouldn't need a moderator to review it, but the rules are there to show drivers what is acceptable and what can be expected in certain situations. The penalties are clear.

It's not appropriate to discuss this incident specifically but, as per the moderation, the rule says 'The rejoining driver was NOT in full control but nevertheless attempted to drive straight back onto the racing line without any consideration for other drivers and contact was made, 2 places lost'. If you feel the rule is unfair it's open to discussion via the season review.