Comments about existing rules:
The rules were posted a month before the race for all to see and comment on. It was my own fault, because I was so busy, not to have read the rules sooner. I set up the car at literally the last minute, and did not check it against the rules.
I understand the issue with later production cars having smaller diameter front tires and the need to change the rules accordingly. I just think that, with an untrued diameter of 19.65mm, a spec of 19.4mm does not leave much room for truing and a smaller diameter spec would have worked just as well, with everyone setting up to that spec. As Marty stated, he took measurements after the race to check everyone’s diameter and used those results to decide what the new spec should be. What was not reflected in those measurements was which cars had the original tires and which cars had the newer, lowered tires. Also, there may well have been an issue with warm tires recording a larger diameter. My car was listed at 19.46mm. When I measured it this week, it was 19.34. This was not an incorrect caliper measurement. When the caliper was set at 19.4mm there was a clear gap to the tire. I will check my caliper against the template tomorrow to see if there is caliper error. I just think a smaller spec, that everyone would have set to, would have been better. At this point, as everyone has bought new tires to comply, I do not think it would be fair to change the spec. Everyone will just need to use extreme care when truing.
I do not know why there is a spec for track. To my memory, the only previous race where we had a track spec was when there was a particular slot car with a much wider body and the track was specified to address this. In other races,the rule has always been that the tire/wheel must not project beyond the body when viewed from above and the rule has worked well. With identical bodies this rule could have worked here. Again, now that everyone has (hopefully) adjusted their chassis to comply with the spec, I do not think the rule should be changed.
I am opposed to the spec about tire diameter minimum after the race. This is a spec we have never used and I think it sets a bad precedent. To say that the racer should account for tire wear after the race and set up their tires with that in mind is too much to ask. There are too many variables. What if it is a hot day and there is more tire wear? I think if the car is legal before the race, with the proper tire, wheel, diameter, etc. it should not be checked after the race.
As I said, I understand the need for rules and strict adherence to those rules, especially with a spec series where small variations can make a difference. With the exception of the post-race spec, I am satisfied with the rules as is and am looking forward to racing. I just think, in the future, a little more leeway in setting up those specs would have been better.
See everyone tomorrow!
Russell