This is an interesting one. I received this proposal the other day from a forum regular who was thinking about how to encourage a more level playing field at the races. When I first looked at it I thought "nah..." But on second thoughts, it does have merit. I actually like it, a lot.
The idea is that a weighting is applied based on rider age/bike age and actual position at the end of the race. Thus, the older the bike/rider combo, the more the elapsed time is offset (I think this is only going to be possible with transponders in use).
This means that a 20 year old bloke on a 1984 bike will get more of a 'handicap' than a 50 year old on the same bike. At the end of the day, all times are totted up and the offset applied. Now, here's where it gets interesting. The top 3 across the line (ie the fastest 3 on the day in that class) still get their points/awards as per normal. BUT, a second series of awards are then issued to the corrected times and hence placegetters. The idea is to try to 'level' the playing field somewhat.
Proposal* Retain the current 1,2,3 fastest place getters across the line - no change, recognized & awarded as current
* Include a handicap award for 1,2,3 on handicap corrected time
* Handicap is established by rider age (as of 1st Jan per year) + bike age (model year) = handicap year number
Example - rider 36 years on a 40 year old bike = 76 / 52 year old on a 44 year odl bike = 96. Handicap number is applied to all results as they are run
You can run "all in" races without the need for separate aged events (numbers permitting). This will allow clubs to fit their race programs into the one day
A 21 year old may therefore choose an older bike to compete with an older guy who might choose a newer bike to close their handicap gaps.
Benefits* This will encourage more people/punters to compete/participate as they have every chance to actually win something
* This will create a more level playing/selling field market & demand for gap year bikes (e.g. a 70 v 74 or a 75 v 77 in pre 78 etc)
* People are more likely to stay after events for the presentations because nobody will know if they have won a prize until then
* Fast guys will still flog it against each other for the chequered flag glory (as they should) but they also still have a chance to get handicap awards as well
* Punters will ride knowing they can actually win something & have a real chance if they ride to the best of their ability especially when you introduce unknown factors such as weather, track conditions, mechanical failures, falls etc....
Here it is in practice. The following are the results for the Evo Over 250cc class at the Aussie champs. The first shows results as per the current scoring system, the second is as per the proposed system.
So, over to you all. Vote in the poll above, or offer up your thoughts below.