Protest time Limit

I would like to try something new.

Before I write a letter to the CRB, I would like to float it here to see the pros and cons BEFORE we put them through the exercise.

Here goes.

With the advent of in car video recording in cars, the lack of input from corner workers due to overwork due to lack of corner workers, and the seemingly every session "impound all", the 30 minute limit might not be sufficient:

From March 2025 GCR

8.3.1. How to Protest

F . be filed within the time limits specified below, although the SOM may extend the time in caseswhere the protestor can show that evidence relating to the Protest was not available within thetime limit, or where the protestor can show that he was unable to meet the deadline because ofcircumstances beyond his control.

Protest Type Time Limit

Validity of an entryRules compliance of an entrant,driver, or carNo later than one hour before the start ofthe race session of the competition for theissue in question. Cars in impound maybe protested within 30 minutes after anysession.

Starting (Grid) position Within 30 minutes after the grid is posted.

Driver’s on track behavior Within 30 minutes after the end of thesessionRace results Within 30 minutes after results are posted.

Race officials’s action ordecisionWithin 30 minutes after the end of thesession OR within 30 minutes of receivingthe notification of the official’s action.

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I was told, when in doubt file a protest - but that seems to me to be a waste of the officials's time, when a protest is made in the heat of battle without being able to view the evidence.

30 minutes sometimes does not even allow time to get back to your paddock space, much less download video and review the GCR to make sure you are filing the right paperwork.

What would the pros and cons of increasing this to 45 or 60 minutes?

Certainly if would cause the officials to work later after the last race,
Could be a problem if a driver crashes and packs up and is gone before the protest is filed.
Might make tech not hold the field so long in impound? (this is a problem in multiclass fields - getting all top cars through checks.)
Might result in MORE protests?

Other comments? Stories?

Or is the unofficial "intent to protest" enough?

I figure 4 months of comments would be a good time frame.

If no strong replies one way or another - case closed. No Action Required

ChrisZ

This is an interesting proposal and even though it would appear to put officials at risk of working well past the end of day or even end of event, it would actually dove-tail into the recent approval for remote SOM hearings that would overcome that issue.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FVRacer21

What would the pros and cons of increasing this to 45 or 60 minutes?

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Honestly, Chris, not much of either. It would hold up all official results of all sessions through that timeframe, though, and that's about it.

I personally don't see the value in increasing the time. If you have a good stewarding/leadership team (stop laughing), a simple verbal notification to the race director/chief steward is all you need to stop the clock. If you can't offer that request within 30 minutes then it means you feel compelled to investigate it yourself prior to filling out the form...and I don't think an hour will be enough anyway.

If you do feel compelled to first review your video, someone else's video, and ask others around them what they think before you file a protest...why? Hell man, that's what the process is for, to review and investigate the data. Leverage that process.

Just start the process. It doesn't take an hour to fill out the form. And an hour is not long enough for a full self-investigation.

And, if you learn something new and change your mind, you can always withdraw your protest at any time. And get your $75 back.

And regardless of the answer that comes back from the SOM...you'll get your $75 back.

Even better, with a good leadership team and a supporting corner report, you might just be able to convince the leadership to file the protest for you via a Chief Steward's Request for Action (same concept, same exact process). Ever requested an RFA from a Chief Steward/Race Director? Why not?

In summary, I don't see this as an insufficient time problem but rather timidity to start this process without already thinking you have a solid case. Poppycock, this isn't a court of law. Let's get the process rolling and in the end if you're wrong you can always apologize.

But don't think another 30 minutes is going to fix this for you...

- GA (competitor, scrutineer, steward, advisor, ambassador)

P.S., I've tossed ideas at the org to change the process from "protest" to "review", as in protests become "Request for Review". Chief Steward's "Request for Action" becomes "Request for Review".

And if you don't like the results of a Chief Steward's Action (CSA)? Ask for it to be reviewed (instead of "protested")

Because that's what these are: requests to review a situation by a third party.

And if you have a bad local leadership team? That's what appeals are for, to let Topeka have a shot at it.

Learn 'em, live 'em, love 'em, and leverage 'em in your favor.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GregAmy

I personally don't see the value in increasing the time. If you have a good stewarding/leadership team (stop laughing), a simple verbal notification to the race director/chief steward is all you need to stop the clock. If you can't offer that request within 30 minutes then it means you feel compelled to investigate it yourself prior to filling out the form...and I don't think an hour will be enough anyway.

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Stopping the clock should be automatic, not dependent on "a good stewardship/leadership team". With the impound all and video needing to be copied to a laptop and having to move around in the paddock, surely extending the time a bit is reasonable.

(Why wouldn't you want people to be able to cool down and review their own and possibly other peoples' video prior to demanding a review by officials? Maybe you keep it 30 minutes for the final session of the day?)