Track length / lap times

race
Profile picture for user race
Posts
3480
Joined
8/26/2006
Location
USA
race
Is there an actual directive to limit track lengths so that one lap equals 2 minutes?

If so, what is the thinking behind that? They race for a fixed time of 30 minutes plus two laps so the track length does not really determine event length.

I would rather see longer tracks with more varied and interesting sections than shorter tracks.
1
|
yz133rider
Profile picture for user yz133rider
Posts
5027
Joined
8/1/2013
Location
Avondale, PA, USA
yz133rider 5/27/2019 10:12pm
5/27/2019 10:12pm
The plus 2 laps part does effect the event time as you said. They need time to get the race done and interviews done in the time slot
1
Mr. Info
Profile picture for user Mr. Info
Posts
1671
Joined
5/3/2010
Location
Perris, CA, USA
Mr. Info 5/28/2019 8:23am
5/28/2019 8:23am
It’s all set up for TV. If someone says different well it’s not.
Races are on Saturday for better chance for TV time, less down time between motos for TV time. This is not me saying so it’s what the industry was told and tracks that hold the races were told years ago as well.
Some like it and some don’t. Can’t make them all happy. I have been to them both ways. I think what’s best for the tracks who hold the event and the spectators who go to the events but that’s my opinion. Along with going to different tracks from year to year to challenge the riders.
1
2
race
Profile picture for user race
Posts
3480
Joined
8/26/2006
Location
USA
race 5/28/2019 11:09pm
5/28/2019 11:09pm
Why does TV care whether they do 10 three minute laps or 15 two minute laps. They both come out to 30 minutes. You would have to tinker a little with the other filler stuff to get the plus two laps to come out close to equal. Or is it just about being able to get away with fewer cams?

I much preferred the longer tracks they used to have with more variety to them.
JustMX
Profile picture for user JustMX
Posts
5325
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
JustMX 5/29/2019 3:30am
5/29/2019 3:30am
Longer tracks equal more cameras, more lifts, more camera operators, more expense, more that can go wrong for tv,

Also more heavy equipment, more experienced
operators that can handle the time constraints of the schedule, more flaggers (that can be up to vitard standards).

More quality fencing (either permanent or temporary), much more water, repeater, etc.

Personally, I feel like slightly under 2 minutes is about the perfect time. It allows enough track length that the field can get spread out, yet enough laps that lines can form and tracks get rough.

The Shop

See All »
kkawboy14
Profile picture for user kkawboy14
Posts
11486
Joined
6/5/2015
Location
USA
kkawboy14 5/29/2019 3:33am
5/29/2019 3:33am
40 second lap times seems good!
SEEMEFIRST
Profile picture for user SEEMEFIRST
Posts
14146
Joined
8/21/2006
Location
Arlington, TX, USA
SEEMEFIRST 5/29/2019 6:15am
5/29/2019 6:15am
Shorter laps also give fans who are actually there more opportunities to see the riders.

Ever spectate a cross country event?
RichieW13
Profile picture for user RichieW13
Posts
2502
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Thousand Oaks, CA, USA
RichieW13 5/29/2019 10:15am
5/29/2019 10:15am
JustMX wrote:
Longer tracks equal more cameras, more lifts, more camera operators, more expense, more that can go wrong for tv, Also more heavy equipment, more experienced operators...
Longer tracks equal more cameras, more lifts, more camera operators, more expense, more that can go wrong for tv,

Also more heavy equipment, more experienced
operators that can handle the time constraints of the schedule, more flaggers (that can be up to vitard standards).

More quality fencing (either permanent or temporary), much more water, repeater, etc.

Personally, I feel like slightly under 2 minutes is about the perfect time. It allows enough track length that the field can get spread out, yet enough laps that lines can form and tracks get rough.
A little off topic, but your "more cameras" comment makes me think about how many cameras are already there. And how good the TV crew usually is at following two riders racing for position. They usually don't miss much. It would be fascinating to see a "behind the scenes" of the production crew, and how they are able to do such a good job of following the action from camera to camera.
1

Post a reply to: Track length / lap times