SCCAForums.com

SCCA News and Racing Information Racing Forums, Racing Discussions and Blogs.

Welcome to SCCAForums.com Sign in | Join | Latest Posts | My Posts | Help
in Search
                                                   
Get your ad featured here today!

Red flags - an interesting idea

Last post 07-05-2009, 10:11 AM by atcovan. 8 replies.
Sort Posts: Previous Next
  •  07-01-2009, 1:05 PM 367526

    Red flags - an interesting idea

    Tell me what you think of this idea. I saw this posted on a local forum.

    "in regards to the red flag. would it be possible to get some air horns to supplement the red flag? It is difficult to see the red flags some times so maybe the sound of the air horn would help get peoples attention. I have seen them sold at hardware stores in 6-packs. We dont get that many read flags so i would assume they would last a long time"

    Not a great idea for a National or Divisional event but might work well where there are lots of newbies.


     


    Alan Pozner
  •  07-01-2009, 5:11 PM 367560 in reply to 367526

    Re: Red flags - an interesting idea

    Could a driver of a prepared car hear it?  Not that they'd be the newb....

    Then again, I've seen (heard) a few cars belonging to first timers, mostly exhaustless Hondas, that were louder than any prepared car. 


    Paul Przyborski

    Currently running a 1996 BMW 318ti in FSP
    Building a C-Prepared 1981 Camaro.

    http://www.mewhiney.org
    http://www.teamziptie.com
  •  07-01-2009, 6:53 PM 367571 in reply to 367526

    Re: Red flags - an interesting idea

    Our local PCA region does this as of this year- air horns go out at each station with the red flags. Haven't actually seen one used yet, though. Yelling also sometimes works if drivers are oblivious. Not for the CP crowd, but works for stock classes and doesn't cost anything (or at least not much in the case of air horns).
  •  07-01-2009, 8:40 PM 367588 in reply to 367571

    Re: Red flags - an interesting idea

    Probably not a good idea for sites with sound restrictions.

    Jeff

  •  07-02-2009, 7:34 AM 367631 in reply to 367588

    Re: Red flags - an interesting idea

    cashmo:
    Probably not a good idea for sites with sound restrictions.

    But the horn would sound better than a 105+db Civic 


    Mark Hirt
    2007 MX-5 MS-R
    Bowman Race Kart - rented
    Webmaster Chicago Region SCCA
  •  07-02-2009, 6:05 PM 367737 in reply to 367526

    Re: Red flags - an interesting idea

    Attachment: Preview-3121.jpg

    Out of 100 cars at each St. Louis event, we have MAYBE 5 that might have an issue hearing an air horn. Out of those 5, the odds are miniscule that a red flag has to be thrown during those cars runs.

    Even then, you still have to wave the flag like a madman. That is what I have seen and is my major complaint is the lack of enthusiasm in displaying the red flag. You'd think sometimes they were at a funeral and didn't want to call attention to themselves.

    They should be making a scene....!!!!

    Now....if you could make a flag that has the super bright LEDS on the handle like the Audi R15 ran at Le Mans....THEN you'd have a winner.  Those are the same as highway patrols uses in their low profile party lights....highly visible during the day.....

     

     



    "It's such a fine line between stupid and clever" - David St. Hubbins
    Tim
    SCCA CR MidDiv Grid and Pit Deputy DA Dawg
    Solo Safety Steward
    REV worker
    01 '04 MazdaSpeed MX5
    Supporter of the Recreational championship and Competition championship awards.
  •  07-02-2009, 6:44 PM 367740 in reply to 367737

    Re: Red flags - an interesting idea

    No need for air horns - just yell STOP!!  It worked this past weekend with Dave Whitworth in my Shelby at the Midwest Divisional at Salina.  He did not see the red flag but heard someone yell, "Hey Dave, STOP!!"  So he did...Big Smile

    Dr. Kyle Langley (and his alter ego Champ Winner)
    2009 National Tour Eastern States Champion - FS
    2009 SPS/R&S Midwest Division Champion - FS
    2008/2009 STL Region Champion - FS
    2008 STL Region Solo Rookie of the Year


  •  07-03-2009, 6:57 PM 367849 in reply to 367740

    Re: Red flags - an interesting idea

    Yep, I agree. Yelling is sufficient, less obtrusive to locals, and doesn't require corner workers to have yet one more thing to hold onto at the site. I haven't noticed, but I bet the air horns we send out are sitting around on the ground where they will be completely useless if a situation arises.
  •  07-05-2009, 10:11 AM 367934 in reply to 367849

    Re: Red flags - an interesting idea

    If the red flag bearer also wore a safety vest (day-glo green, yellow, etc.) they'd be seen more clearly.
    Jim Plotkin
    '05 FSP Echo