I really like the idea of a spec series. I'm kind of getting tired of going into random rooms looking for good racing as it's a hit and miss proposition at best. The schedule doesn't work for me though so I can't join up to this one, I'm away every other weekend and my "away" weekend happens to fall on the 27th.
I do have some input though. I didn't read the entire thread so forgive me if I am repeating anything anyone else has said.
Points System
I know you're shooting for 8-10 guys but you'll likely end up with more and never the same number twice. I'd suggest having a "base system" and then adding points for number of drivers. For example, keep the numbers you already have and then add 1 point for every racer. That way, if someone wins against 15 drivers he's more rewarded than someone who beats 7, as it should be I think. Plus, have points all the way out to 16. Race a couple of times and finish 10th and have no points and it can be discouraging. Also, when I raced karts, in club championships and in limited race series it was usually a "X number of best finishes" type of thing. If you raced 6 races for example, you'd count your best 4 or 5. A bit complicated but not so much with a spreadsheet, but what it allows you to do, is miss a week or two and not lose out on the championship because Aunt Millie was in the hospital or your son fell of his bike and scraped his knee and you couldn't make it. Lets face it, most of us are busy and can't always get to stuff like this on a schedule. Keeps everyone interested and everyone in the hunt and the outcome won't be decided until the last race for sure this way.
Damage
I know a lot of guys online think that damage keeps everyone honest and to some extent it does, but the downside is, the guy who gets hit gets damaged too and it's not his fault. For example, I was online the other day and we were setting up a Nascar race with a pace car and the whole bit, 50 laps, took about a half hour to get everyone on board, big build up, lots of excitement. I got hit on the pace lap at 60mph, car was undriveable, my race was over before it began through no fault of my own, half hour wasted, and an enjoyable experience missed. My suggestion would be weak damage. It's enough of a penalty that it will probably cost you the race, you might even fall to the back but you'll probably stay in sight of others and still be interested in racing. Taking 4 minutes to limp back to the pits, possibly impeding the guys racing and lapping you is no fun at all. Imagine for a moment you've spent an hour tuning your car, practicing, a half hour qualifying, put aside your life for an hour to do this, and you get dummied in the first corner and your race is over. Happens again the next week and most guys will just quit in that situation I would think. I probably would. And the idea is maximum fun right?
Weeknight Series
Maybe you could add a weeknight series as well. I think it would be easier for a lot of guys to do this during the week, when there are less outside social events taking up time. I know it would be easier for me, and I am positive others would feel this way.
All in all I think this is a great idea no matter what you decide to do in the end. Kudos for you Mchid for taking this on and I wish you the best of luck.
Johnny
