Two-way Radios Mandatory in Silver Crown

[indyrjc]

I just picked up the latest USAC News and noticed the following rule change for Silver Crown cars:

"Two-way radio communication is mandatory for 2002. Each team must supply a spotter to the designated location at each race. Teams must inform USAC of their radio frequencies."

I know we've been headed this way for the last few years but it sure seems different when I think of all of the rules that outlawed rear view mirrors in the past on dirt track cars. From a safety standpoint and for helping USAC line up restarts it's a good move. I just hope it doesn't turn into the kind of spotter to driver blocking game that we have often seen in other forms of racing.

[mac miller]

Right you are, RJC!!!!!!!
Blocking coaches...er.. I mean, "spotters" are the worst idea to come into racing since wings and women in the pits. This whole job could be handled by a couple of USAC "spotters" with a one way channel to all drivers. These "spotters" could transmit all safety and race info to all drivers similtaneously. "Spotters" are like adding a second driver in the car..... If "spotters" are necessary,I think they should add a second seat to each car and make the spotter ride along. I'll bet they would be more careful about the "advice" they give to the driver (the one with the steering wheel).... The cars exist (look at Hewitt's two seater) and the history exists ("spotters" ....er.. I mean riding mechanics were in cars throughout the teens and also throughout the 30s)
...... Come on "spotters",how about it ????.......... Put your butt where your mouth is...... Hop in, ride along and call the race from the back seat........... .anybody?????????? .................... hhahaha!!! I didn't think so......

There should be a single channel "driver to crew chief " radio and NO "crew chief to driver" radio should be allowed!!

Also, the flagman should be replaced with a "traffic light" and, maybe, even a little radio controlled "traffic light" box in each car. The ridiculous theatrics and quirks of some of the flagmen are the cause of many of the prestart and "first turn" race crashes. ..........Well, okay , let the flagman wave the checkers if he still thinks he is needed.

[ January 22, 2002: Message edited by: mac miller ]

[indyrjc]

You've made some good points, mac. We can only hope that USAC will make sure that spotters don't become blocking coaches. If radios are here to stay then USAC should make sure that the assigned radio frequencies are published and available to everyone. Hopefully they will post them on the USAC website. In previous years Silver Crown frequencies have been a well kept secret. Making them available to the fans can only help the overall Silver Crown racing product. A big part of NASCAR's fan following grew, in part, from the fans scanning the various team radio frequencies during races. At NASCAR Truck, Busch, or Cup races it seems like every other fan is wearing a scanner headset. The Silver Crown series has some of the best racing anywhere but unfortunately hasn't developed the strong fan base that it deserves. Making it easier to listen to team race communications might be a step in the right direction.

[itsanonwingthing]

the USAC Silver Crown freq's have been made public the last several years, and have been posted on their websight as well as in the USAC newslewtter! I have tuned in to several, and if you are expecting to hear a lot of talk you will be disappointed. Most of the radio chat comes under yellow situations, not much is said during the race.
Sounds like USAC has requested the fequencies, so they will be able to randomly listen in on divers who may be in a position to block the cars behind!

[racinscool]

I cannot believe that someone would choose such a narrow minded jerk to MODERATE a forum. This will be my last visit to this forum because of mac miller's comments about women in the pits. You should now know why no one visits or posts in this forum any longer.

[dog-ring]

Hey Mac, Pfffffffftttttt! I have spotted for over 20 years and have never "blocked" for any driver. Oh yeh about the part of riding along, fine with me Hey Raciniscool, Mac is an old crudmugeon who takes pleasure in rattling cages once in a while, appears to have worked