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We would all like to
have the number of our choice and be able to use it at every
race meeting wherever it’s held. Unfortunately it’s not that
simple, as:
- The GSRA now
has approaching 130 or so members and very few want three
digit numbers.
- While 3 digit
numbers are acceptable to CAMS, they have not been
acceptable at Phillip Island, although it’s hard to
understand why this should be a problem with Dorian
timers.
- Some “popular”
numbers have been continually used over many years by
GSRA members in different states – so we have a clash
when members who have been using the same number compete
interstate.
The problem is
greatest if we try to amalgamate both NSW and Victoria
members into one Group S number register, as:
- We quickly run
out of the favoured two digit numbers.
- The register
becomes too large and cumbersome to be understood by
promoters, so they will not use it.
- It is a rough
call to take away a number from someone who has been
using it for a long time and allocate it to “a visitor”.
So here’s the plan.
We will divide the
GSRA Preferred Race Numbers register into two parts – one
part for NSW/ACT and a second part for Victoria.
Drivers within a
state will have first claim on numbers listed in their
state. As an example, Brian Weston has been using #75 for
some years, so he can expect to have first claim on #75 in
the NSW/ACT register.
But Brian’s claim on
#75 only extends to NSW, he can only be allocated #75 in the
Victorian register if it has not been taken up by a
Victorian.
If #75 is already
allocated in the Victorian register, Brian will have to
choose a number from those that have not been allocated.
Similarly a Victorian driver seeking to race in NSW will not
be able to claim #75 in NSW.
In summary, visitors
who compete interstate on a regular basis can request a
permanent number on another state’s register - but only
after resident drivers have been allocated numbers.
By closely watching
vacancies in both registers, it may well be possible to
stake a claim for the same number in both registers,
although this might not be achievable with the “popular”
numbers such as #3, #5, #21, etc.
Under GSRA House
Rules, preferred numbers must be used at least once every
two years or the claim on the number will lapse. This rule
will also apply to interstate claims so that those who do
not compete interstate at least once every two years will
lose their registered interstate number.
This rule prevents
each register from growing too large and being cluttered
with unused numbers.
The worst outcome
for a competitor who regularly competes interstate would be
to have to use two race numbers – one home state and one
interstate. The best outcome would be if a competitor could
register the same number in both states and not have to
change his race number at all.
I am now updating
the NSW/ACT register and preparing a similar register for
Victoria based on the information supplied by members and
from recent race programs.
As both registers
are interlinked, I believe it best that they be managed by
one person and while I shall be guided by the GSRA
Committee, I am happy to continue to look after the two
parts of the register.
I have not mentioned
the other states because there are few regular interstate
competitors - unless we can convince Geoff Olle to come back
to motor racing. But I suggest that regular interstate
competitors from Queensland, SA and WA should apply for a
permanent number in the state in which they intend to
compete.
Whatever your
situation, send me an e-request and I will do my best to
give you what you want, but I won’t change an allocated
number without agreement from the incumbent.
Hopefully all this
is both fair and sensible. It will also make it easier for
promoters to use our register.
Colin Wilson-Brown
Race number secretary
cwb@bigpond.net.au |
