Reaction Time Debate

[Mark]

Hey folks,

I was wondering what everyone thinks about the current system used by the tracks in the maritimes to denote the reaction time of the driver. Currently the tracks use the reaction time from the last yellow, instead of the reaction time from the green like they do in professional racing.

Why do we use the .500 perfect light system? Would .000 be better? Pros, cons, ideas?

Let me know your thoughts.

[Jeff Kempton]

Mark,

They used to use the .500 RTs everywhere (.400 for some classes). Then several years ago the NHRA changed to the .000 system, probably to make it easier to understand for the casual spectator. For some reason the local tracks haven't changed to the new approach. Maybe it's a software thing.

[Mark]

As far as I know, the Port a tree's can do it, TSI can do it, and I am not sure about the Race America system... Dave?

I would have to agree with the reasoning behind the change to the green light reaction. You almost always have to explain it to someone how 500 is a perfect light.

[davea2]

Our system has both options. It is giving you the same RT, there is no difference in how it is calculated just in how it is stated. We started the year using the .000 as a perfect RT but a lot of the racers didn't like it and we changed back to .500.