My $1.27. First the only time I have witnessed a conscious (and observable) attempt to cheat in our club was with Bobby in 2017, therefore I am not sure what current problem the new rules are meant to solve. That being said, Parc Ferme is a well established standard in 1×1 racing of almost all types, and very common (from what I can tell via the interweb) practice among other slot-car sanctioning bodies and clubs. Conclusion – it’s a common and beneficial best-practice that No current ASCC member should have any “problem” with (as long as its practiced consistently with common sense!)
Also, in many 1×1 racing, post-race inspection is common when certain racers or cars seem to consistently dominate (by significant metrics) a race or series (these often lead to rules changes due to advantages discovered by a team who ‘meets the legal definition’ of the rules, yet is clever enough to implement advantageous technology or techniques not Explicitly prohibited in the rules). Let’s never forget that the original point of inspection and Parc-Ferme rules is to facilitate fairness and prevent overt and significant advantages not openly available to all club members. Likewise, the reality is that some racers are smarter or more precise than others and/or may have lucked into a “god car” that out performs the pack.
To address some of Erik’s points, I suggest that if someone has a significant repair to do during a Round, they have to request from the Series Manager (or inspector if that was a different person) (a) if the repair is allowed, and (b) a request for extended Lane-change period to complete the repair. The Series Manager can approve/reject the request and set a time for the repair to be completed. Ideally the Series Manager should observe the repair. Obviously this decision should be made based on criteria to (a) allow fairness for the racer to have a chance to continue in the Round, (b) fairness and reasonableness for the other racers (e.g. repairs cannot significantly delay the completion of the Round). Finally – ONLY the Series Manager can make these decisions. If another racer wants to protest the decision, that should occur After the round is complete (I suggest no fee for the protest). A post-race inspection should be expected by the racer who made the change.
Also to Erik’s points, if it’s possible to document criteria for these decisions, we could do so (it’s tedious but not impossible) – or we can just continue with the current approach of letting the Series Manager exercise their judgement and responsibility without killing ourselves with endless what-if scenarios.
FINALLY-Guys – remember that we are in theory racing for FUN, not fame or fortune 🙂
Let’s not take things too-serious or it will be like enforcing PGA rules on a 9-hole-Scramble golf game!
"... get on your bad motor scooter and ride!"
Sammy with Montrose