Racing, the line up seems dogpoop?

HarryConnolly

HarryConnolly

Location
West Roxbury, Boston
I keep watching jetski racing, it looks like they have a wire or rope that drops sometimes, some don’t even have that…just some dude waving a flag from what I’m watching

I’ve gone back on footage and notice the line up, beach curve and helper holding the ski.

I’m still unclear on how races start, that being said after watching a bunch of race starts over and over I can’t help but think some guys leave or go early and there isn’t a good enough system to target that? They line up under a metal structure that’s not square with the beach with different depths, I’m sure like all racing the better pole position makes the difference after heats or qualifiers but I can’t help shake the feeling that these starts aren’t controlled enough to dictate who’s the better racer that day.

Why don’t jetski races just do time trials?
 
kevbo

kevbo

Location
dfw
HarryConnolly said:
I keep watching jetski racing, it looks like they have a wire or rope that drops sometimes, some don’t even have that…just some dude waving a flag from what I’m watching

I’ve gone back on footage and notice the line up, beach curve and helper holding the ski.

I’m still unclear on how races start, that being said after watching a bunch of race starts over and over I can’t help but think some guys leave or go early and there isn’t a good enough system to target that? They line up under a metal structure that’s not square with the beach with different depths, I’m sure like all racing the better pole position makes the difference after heats or qualifiers but I can’t help shake the feeling that these starts aren’t controlled enough to dictate who’s the better racer that day.

Why don’t jetski races just do time trials?
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They used a rubber band in the past. They also did a timed slalom until 1993 but got rid of that because Superjets couldn't do it very well.
 
user_error

user_error

Location
seattle area, Wa
The rubber band has been the norm for many years but within the last two year there has been a transition to a light/horn system that greatly reduces false starts. It seems to be working well and was used at many US and international races this year. Each start is recorded so the reviewers can see if a person over (took off) before the light/horn actually turned on. The goal is to reduce the false starts and create a more even start procedure.

Slalom is still very much a thing too. They do it each year in Havasu and at each of the UIM races (international).
 
hornedogg79

hornedogg79

dodgin' bass boats
Southern Summer Series used the rubber band all year. If your ski nose went past before it snapped you get black flagged and have to take a make up buoy. If you totally blow through it they can red flag, restart, and make you start with engine off. Some get right on the band while others prefer to stay back in shallower water. There's a protest period after each race and everything is recorded.
 
Big Kahuna

Big Kahuna

Administrator
Location
Tuscaloosa, AL
The start is one of the best part of the races. If you are smart, you watch the starter and the band snapper. You get the timing of the starter, and same with the Snapper. The Snapper is the key, Just because the Starter turns the card sideways, The band should snap from 1-3 seconds. But that can vary. I use to snap the band, if I saw someone trying to inch up, I would delay the release a little longer, sneaky right!!!!!!!! As a racer, I would try to figure out the timing and hopefully hit the gas just as the right moment to go as the band snaps... Think in all my years I may have had to dead start once or twice. Now, funny story, 2008 Race, We were the first race, combined with some juniors. The kids kept jumping, we must have had 4 red flags. At the last one, Kid blew the band....... I made the the ultimate mistake, I let off the throttle expecting the Red Flag......... The starter just shrugged and threw the Green Flag!!!!!!!! I had one of the most fun races ever that heat picking off racers!!!! I had just had sinus surgery and could breathe!!!!!!!!!!!! Finished the race barely tired for once!!!!!!!! Too bad that was my final year of racing.....
 
B

Batteryman

Location
Oregon
Big Kahuna said:
The start is one of the best part of the races. If you are smart, you watch the starter and the band snapper. You get the timing of the starter, and same with the Snapper. The Snapper is the key, Just because the Starter turns the card sideways, The band should snap from 1-3 seconds. But that can vary. I use to snap the band, if I saw someone trying to inch up, I would delay the release a little longer, sneaky right!!!!!!!! As a racer, I would try to figure out the timing and hopefully hit the gas just as the right moment to go as the band snaps... Think in all my years I may have had to dead start once or twice. Now, funny story, 2008 Race, We were the first race, combined with some juniors. The kids kept jumping, we must have had 4 red flags. At the last one, Kid blew the band....... I made the the ultimate mistake, I let off the throttle expecting the Red Flag......... The starter just shrugged and threw the Green Flag!!!!!!!! I had one of the most fun races ever that heat picking off racers!!!! I had just had sinus surgery and could breathe!!!!!!!!!!!! Finished the race barely tired for once!!!!!!!! Too bad that was my final year of racing.....
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Good advice, thanks! How many years did you race?
 
beerdart

beerdart

4-Tec Jetmate
Location
CT
Ive raced Region 8 since 2013 we primarily use band start but for the last 2 seasons have gone to flag start with video on the tower. The series was sold this year and I heard the new promotor will use a light and horn system. I can see from a racer and staff member the benefit's of both but IMO light and horn will be the best.
 
Big Kahuna

Big Kahuna

Administrator
Location
Tuscaloosa, AL
Batteryman said:
Good advice, thanks! How many years did you race?
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99-2006 Regularly, Daughter Born in 2007, Only raced a few times that year, Same for 2008, APBA Nationals was my last big race. Did not make the main in Nov Stock, or Vet Class. Got 3rd in AM Freestyle that year. Then Wife decided to be stay at home Mom and that was it!!!!!!!! Raced a few times since.
 
Big Kahuna

Big Kahuna

Administrator
Location
Tuscaloosa, AL
beerdart said:
Ive raced Region 8 since 2013 we primarily use band start but for the last 2 seasons have gone to flag start with video on the tower. The series was sold this year and I heard the new promotor will use a light and horn system. I can see from a racer and staff member the benefit's of both but IMO light and horn will be the best.
Click to expand...
Thinking at WF this year they did Light and Horn, but think there was some delay between the two that may have causes some issues.
 
HarryConnolly

HarryConnolly

Location
West Roxbury, Boston
Big Kahuna said:
The start is one of the best part of the races. If you are smart, you watch the starter and the band snapper. You get the timing of the starter, and same with the Snapper. The Snapper is the key, Just because the Starter turns the card sideways, The band should snap from 1-3 seconds. But that can vary. I use to snap the band, if I saw someone trying to inch up, I would delay the release a little longer, sneaky right!!!!!!!! As a racer, I would try to figure out the timing and hopefully hit the gas just as the right moment to go as the band snaps... Think in all my years I may have had to dead start once or twice. Now, funny story, 2008 Race, We were the first race, combined with some juniors. The kids kept jumping, we must have had 4 red flags. At the last one, Kid blew the band....... I made the the ultimate mistake, I let off the throttle expecting the Red Flag......... The starter just shrugged and threw the Green Flag!!!!!!!! I had one of the most fun races ever that heat picking off racers!!!! I had just had sinus surgery and could breathe!!!!!!!!!!!! Finished the race barely tired for once!!!!!!!! Too bad that was my final year of racing.....
Click to expand...
how does the band snap? Like left to right?

Anyone ever sucked up a band lol?

This all sounds exciting
I like it
 
Big Kahuna

Big Kahuna

Administrator
Location
Tuscaloosa, AL
beerdart said:
The band is in the middle of the gate. And yes the band gets sucked up often.
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Or you end up racing with the band wrapped around your neck!!!!!! Had that happen once, someone jumped, we all went they snapped the band, I got nailed in the neck with it. Was not a fun experience, having to get un tangled from it and race!
 
B

Batteryman

Location
Oregon
Big Kahuna said:
99-2006 Regularly, Daughter Born in 2007, Only raced a few times that year, Same for 2008, APBA Nationals was my last big race. Did not make the main in Nov Stock, or Vet Class. Got 3rd in AM Freestyle that year. Then Wife decided to be stay at home Mom and that was it!!!!!!!! Raced a few times since.
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Those were some good times im betting. We have a 3 year old and a 4 month old and my wife just started staying home.. yeah I can see how it would be hard to stay in shape and make it to as many races as you once did.
 
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