Some suggestions. 1) if you want to keep the index "personal" don't have the index based on only the last few races. Instead have it be a permanent index that is cumulative. Alternatively, you can have the index ignore events that are well outside of a target range (allowing a discount or complete disregard for unusually slow times that would account for running someone else's much slower car for an event, sandbagging, or even hitting cones on each run). An example of this can be seen at the bottom of the 10/6 event. Another variation would be to not have the index drop. This assumes that one's skillset increases over time up until a maximum level of proficiency. Driver's skill do not go up and down over time. They are a near constant, with lesser experienced drivers having a steeper learning curve. Accordingly, the indexes should not fluctuate dramatically from week to week like they do. Someone who has a bad week should not be rewarded with a lower index, but this is done repeatedly under the current index system. Under the existing system, about the only car who's index is generally consistent is Karwan's. And that is because he runs 100% every event. His car is right at the top of every event and his index reflects that. The same cannot be said for several other cars. Thus, even though in theory the current index may work, reality has shown that it can't.
2) revert to a car-based index similar to scca or nasa to PAX cars. However, I think the SCCA model is also very flawed as the ratings are based on the most prepared cars with national drivers. Thus to be competitive in a car class including a "stock" class the car must be taken to the maximum level of modification allowed by the rules (which is what every national level driver attempts to achieve (i.e., race shocks, R compound tires, bars, alignment, engine tuning, even car selection within class)). This rewards expense and is unrealistic for people with street cars (i.e., real street tires) as there are only a couple of street tire classes-- which also are not reflective of a street car, as they too require "race" tires in the form of Falkin Azenis or the like to be even remotely competitive. These indexes are also based on national level courses, which do not reflect low speed, tight and small lots such as Frederick where small cars have a big advantage.
3) Form a new system that take's into account CDC's unique driver base and lot characteristics. As most people stick with the same car, a personal index system can work, but needs club member feedback on how to fix it. Feedback welcome on suggestions. I have heard rumblings about the index all year. Now is a good time to fix it for next year.
Disgruntled Racer.
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