Official Results: Focus Challenge 2005 - Buttonwillow - Focaljet

**BUR_ZX3** · 05-09-2005, 01:46 AM

Overall Winner:
# 52 - Scott Laird (ScottishSVT)
2:14.629 Best Raw Lap
2:09.029 Handicapped

Best Rookie:

#34 - Alan Bowers (bowersdaazian)
2:20.032 Best Raw Lap
2:13.782 Handcapped

Final Results:

# - Name - Handicapped Time - Raw Time
----------------------------------------------------
52 - Scott Laird - 2:09.029 - 2.14.629
165 - Chris Stout - 2:11:859 - 2:13.109 <-- Proof the Handicap is EVIL!

*720 - Andrew Gillis - 2:13.725 - 2:15.775
34 - Alan Bowers - 2:13.782 - 2:20.032
50 - Lee Watkins - 2:13.865 - 2:19.365
69 - Jeff Biane - 2:20.321 - 2:26.521
57 - Robert Cokeng - 2:21.332 - 2:27.082
827 - Todd Wilson - 2:23:828 - 2:27.828
**UNK - Jared Nickerson - TBD - 2:41:753

*Andrew wasn't officially entered as a driver
**Jared was a late entry and doesn't have a handicap figured.

Congratulations to Scott and Alan. These guys were TEARING IT UP out there, and well deserve the honors.

FocusChallenge thanks everyone that came out and supported the event, whether as instructors or spectators. Our instructors who teach us were great again, Allen Crockett and Craig Dabbs deserve major props!

Also a HUGE thank you to Ken Anderson and Cosworth Racing for coming out and showing us what their car can do (no times available huh?) and providing that great Intake as a raffle prize (that Bowers won). Another thank-you to VF Engineering for the engine mount prize (won by Scotty). Borla deserves big props for donating the exhaust system... which Justin (8888) won. While not racing, Justin was there to support the event, and as you can see... we reward all who come out! (that and Scott didn't need it ;-) )

Also thanks to the guys at Ford for the nifty giveaways, and Vortech as well for the hats and shirts.

No major incidents to report. Chris Grout wrecked his back trying to pull his kart out of the mud on the kart track... get well Chris! Lee blew his SVT's power steering pump (You don't say! An SVT blowing its power steering... SHOCKER!) and unfortunately, Robert Cokeng had misfortune with his radiator hose which split spewing coolant... A replacement hose was found, but the car didn't seem to have any compression. He was towed back to Los Angeles promising to see us all again in August! (WHAT A TROOPER! I LOVE THIS GUY!!!!!)

Congrats and THANK YOU to all! It was a GREAT weekend!

**hotrodkris** · 05-09-2005, 08:06 AM

Wasn't I nice? Letting Jeff drive in the Challenge and all?

Ah well, next one is MINE!

**slidemaster** · 05-09-2005, 10:52 AM

I had a great time. Thanks to Scott for letting me hammer on his car in the morning as a tool for teaching.

I had a friend there from Sacramento just watching. He was blown away how everyone worked together. Man , Im tierd today.

**BOWERSdaAZIAN** · 05-09-2005, 03:23 PM

Yeah this event was soo fun! im so dead tired today, and i still have work

But the cossie intake was a very nice pick me up when i opened it this morning.
Now ill just have to get better by the next FC event.
Alan

**Ted7rns** · 05-09-2005, 03:41 PM

WTG, Sounds like you guys had some great times... I wished I could have made it. I'll try to make it at the next event.

Those were some Pretty quick times. I think the best I've done at #13CW was like 2:19.10 or something like that last month in a stock 2.3 Focus.
I hope to do better in June there with some new parts from Ricardo of F2.

**slidemaster** · 05-09-2005, 04:42 PM

"Those were some Pretty quick times. I think the best I've done at #1CW was like 1:25.00 or something like that last year in a stock 2.3 Focus.
I hope to do better in June there with some new parts from Ricardo of F2.

--------------------

Well you were in a stock car!! We also had great weather. I really do hope you make it out. Have never met you.

**f2focus** · 05-09-2005, 05:59 PM

I must say that it was a great event and I want to Thank Andrew Gillis for coming out and driving for me. It was good to see a good turn out and the Cosworth cars were fun to see, two orange cars going down the track was fun and it sounds like they had fun out there. The wagon sounds reall ynice going down the track. Jeff and Kris you guys will love the car when you get the 4.06 and differential.

Chris congratulations but next time you will not be so lucky to claim the top spot before the handicap. The F2 car was not far from his time our fastest lap was a 2:13.8, I am proud of our progress and will see you again at the next round with even more power added. Till next time.

**hotrodkris** · 05-09-2005, 06:05 PM

Actually, I think we might gear the wagon, but save the Torsen for the sedan!

**belacyrf** · 05-09-2005, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Chris congratulations but next time you will not be so lucky to claim the top spot before the handicap.

Ahhhh keep saying stuff like this... this is the motivation I need to come back. Appeal to my competetive side. Airforce is to laid back... I just can't get motivated to try and woop up on him, but comments like this do wonders for people as competetive as I am

**hotrodkris** · 05-09-2005, 06:22 PM

Get me some more seat time and a gutted sedan with a few upgrades...

Pahrump here we come!

And Ricardo, it only counts as bragging if you're the one doing the driving!

If you want to play that way, next time I'll let Craig or Allan borrow the wagon and pwn everyone!

**f2focus** · 05-09-2005, 06:33 PM

Good point Kris, so then I will announce that Andrew Gillis is one of the drivers for my car. As well as Jeff Ireland, he races in VARA. I will no longer take on the driving duties and I will register as such.
The more people we get out there the better, we need to show that the Focus has the potential. I think it was great to see that some of the Focus times were faster then the Mini's. Great progress for everyone.

**scottishsvt** · 05-09-2005, 06:43 PM

I would to like to thank everyone for a great weekend. My car was really working well but I can"t compete with Airforce Chris who by the way is a very humble man and ride that he took me for on Saturday in his car was so great but he is a great driver to go along with that. I feel kind of bad that i got the award for the overall winner,maybe there should be one for the gross time winner and one for the Handicap winner. Big thanks to Allan and Alvin as usual and the guys Nick and Chris at red line. Also I enjoyed meeting everyone in a Focus. Thanks to my guys Bull and Otto who helped me out all weekend. Lets do more of these and all you focus guy need to come out and have the time of your life at a Focus challange event.
Scottishsvt.

**Ted7rns** · 05-09-2005, 07:25 PM

Quote:

I must say that it was a great event and I want to Thank Andrew Gillis for coming out and driving for me. It was good to see a good turn out and the Cosworth cars were fun to see, two orange cars going down the track was fun and it sounds like they had fun out there. The wagon sounds reall ynice going down the track. Jeff and Kris you guys will love the car when you get the 4.06 and differential.

Chris congratulations but next time you will not be so lucky to claim the top spot before the handicap. The F2 car was not far from his time our fastest lap was a 2:13.8, I am proud of our progress and will see you again at the next round with even more power added. Till next time.

Good Job Ricardo. That is one fast Foci you have there. See you at Willow Springs in a couple weeks.

**aerostudent** · 05-09-2005, 08:07 PM

Ricardo, I think you've totally missed the point of FocusChallenge. You're talking about bringing in "hired guns" here. Calling up drivers to take on "weekend warriors" is totally inapporpriate.

FocusChallenge is about a community of people that happen to own a Focus, some don't even have one, that like to to and have a good time at the track. It has never been about winning or being faster than everyone.

**Dru232** · 05-09-2005, 09:03 PM

Just to set the record straight - I had never even seen the track before sunday. Also, that was my first session of the day and first time ever in that car. So I was not the hired gun I will be next time!! Thanks for the great day. It was great to see some of you that I had not seen in a while - also to meet some new people. Thanks again to Ricardo and everyone else.

Also as far as the community goes I am not just a nobody that just showed up to ruin your day. In fact I was at the first one of these before it was a focus challange and have tried to promote this focus community as much as posible. As far Ricardo goes - why would you want to outcast him in any way? Have you had any experiance with any of his products, because I can tell you first hand that He makes parts that will only elevate the FOCUS COMMUNITY. So what Is the reasoning behind your problem with him? And what makes me no longer welcome in YOUR community and how many people's day did I ruin?

**BUR_ZX3** · 05-09-2005, 09:07 PM

Andrew-

Its great that you came out... and we'd love to see you whenever your schedule permits. We just needed to make sure everyone was clear about who is driving which car.

**hotrodkris** · 05-09-2005, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Just to set the record straight - I had never even seen the track before sunday. Also, that was my first session of the day and first time ever in that car. So I was not the hired gun I will be next time!! Thanks for the great day. It was great to see some of you that I had not seen in a while - also to meet some new people. Thanks again to Ricardo and everyone else.

Also as far as the community goes I am not just a nobody that just showed up to ruin your day. In fact I was at the first one of these before it was a focus challange and have tried to promote this focus community as much as posible. As far Ricardo goes - why would you want to outcast him in any way? Have you had any experiance with any of his products, because I can tell you first hand that He makes parts that will only elevate the FOCUS COMMUNITY. So what Is the reasoning behind your problem with him? And what makes me no longer welcome in YOUR community and how many people's day did I ruin?

You didn't ruin anyone's day. But, it would be nice if the bragging about having a faster car was done by the person who built the car and who drove himself. This has nothing to do with his parts, or his support of our community. And I respect the fact that you have such faith in the car he's built for you to drive. The more parts out there for the Focus, the less of a red-headed stepchild it will be in the eyes of the sport-compact media.

But hired-gun competition was never the point of the Focus Challenge.

This isn't a series about 'tuners' or 'trailer queens', it's about people having fun driving the car they love. I drive my wagon 90 miles a day, to and from work. Others on here race their daily whips as well. Chris Stout carries his R compounds to and from the race like most fans carry a cooler full of beer.

If this turns into a series where the cars are towed into the track, I think we should set up another class. Full-on tuners with track-prepped, trailered in cars vs. themselves. Stout, Nik, F2, Cosworth, Walter Marcy, and Scotty, Allan's protege! (when you get a good power-adder on there!) Let us 'noobies' with less experience try to beat each other for bragging rights in a separate class. My car might be prepped extremely well, but this was my first weekend on the track, ever, for both myself and for Jeff. I'm sure someone like Craig or Allan could have taken the CosWagon and laid waste to everyone out there, but that's not the point.

We're not going to get more cars out to these events if someone green under the ears feels like it's all about the 'win'. We need to market this as an enthusiast-friendly experience, so the person who's on the edge about making the jump into road racing does it, and sticks with it.

Having Flagship vehicles out there (like the RBR car, Cosworth, Draxas, F2, etc) will help, immensely. But we don't want to make it seem like you can only be successful if you've dropped thousands of dollars into your vehicle. If anyone should emulate that the best, it's Scottish, who goes to show that not many mods + great coaching = a very serious competitor.

Lets all work together to make this a fun and friendly competition.

**Cameroon** · 05-09-2005, 10:38 PM

Very well put.

**Dru232** · 05-09-2005, 11:23 PM

The Focus Challange is held during a track event. If you are not interested in competition - do not sign up for the Focus Challange. There is already a "handicap system" in place which brings any car into a level playing field and at that point - the winner is going to be the better driver. Lets get this figured out and not discourage ANY Focus drivers from participating in and supporting this event. I have been driving in Red Line events for three years since it first began - why would anyone have a problem with me continuing to participate?

I started off three years ago with a stock Focus - not yet paid for - and now because It is a car which must be trailered - you think it should not be allowed in Focus Challange, or should be in a different class - isn't that what the handicap is about??

**OmniFocus** · 05-09-2005, 11:34 PM

I think what we have here is a rare situation where somebody likes to build cars more than drive them... As odd as it is to some, these folks do exist!

These builders take pride in seeing their work do well, but don't always have the interest to do the driving themself.

I understand the opposite... Building is okay, but driving is much more fun.

**hotrodkris** · 05-09-2005, 11:40 PM

Andrew, this isn't about 'you', so please don't take it as such. No one has a problem with you racing. Next time we'll just know beforehand which car you will be in. No one knew until the times were posted.

The handicap system is something the Focus Challenge 'Management' is currently working on.

Yes, it is about competition. And the series has morphed as people mod their cars. But we can NOT lose sight of our humble beginnings. There are a lot more choices out there for serious performance than there used to be, and the guys who've been in since the beginning are all great drivers now. And most of their cars are heavily modified.

But that can be intimidating to someone who's got maybe just an exhaust, CAI, lowering springs... and who's only experience with motorsports is playing GT4. Handicap or not, it's still pitting beginners against people with some serious experience. Until this weekend, I had NO IDEA what it was really like, and what my car can really do.

This is about taking the FC to the next level, and we're not going to do that with the same bunch of cars showing up to every race. We need fresh blood. If newbies can come out and learn and have fun, and then possibly watch a group of select, specially modified Foci race against the clock -- showing the potential of the platform -- that is our goal. If their car ends up as a trailer queen as well, even better! Because those guys are going to buy the parts that they see tested out there on the track.

The new handicap system will be in place before the next FC. Luckily we have awhile to hash things out. The core group of the FC itself is being restructured, and new goals are being laid out. So have patience with 'management', please.

**belacyrf** · 05-09-2005, 11:43 PM

I have no problem with either... Andrew is right the FC is supposed to be:
1) Assuming equal cars, the best driver wins
2) Assuming equal drivers, the best car wins

So it encourages building your car as well as your skillz. And who cares, it's not like the winner is the "absolute" winner. It just means they get the most "chances" to win whatever giveaways you guys give.

Personally I think it's wierd and I understand how some people can look at it cross-eyed, but let it be. You dont want to do anything to hinder participation.

**BOWERSdaAZIAN** · 05-09-2005, 11:59 PM

As i am starting to understand the Focus Challange, i also understand the demands and needs to change it as it becomes a larger event.

Of course we dont want to detract from any possible participants, but we also need to work on how to level the playing field.
This of course is by the use of the handicap system, but there might need to be another factor taking into account.

The drivers of this event might need to be split up into groups just as our cars are now. As it stands, the modifications to ones car is what determines the handicap, but we might need a driver designation.

If there was a beginner, intermediate, and advanced grouping selection, that might make for a more even and more fun enviorment.
I know we have the novice catagory in effect now, but once the FC becomes a larger gathering, that might need to be expanded.

I still have much to learn but just thought i'd share my opinion from my perspective.
Alan

**belacyrf** · 05-10-2005, 12:07 AM

Guys there were 8 - 10 people at the last event. And if you were to split it up, you'd have 3 advanced (haggis, airforce, and gillis) 2 intermediate (smurf an bur) and the rest beginners... not much fun splitting it up.

I think some people are putting the cart in front of the horse here. It's these types of grumblings that hurt the challenge. Did you guys have fun this weekend?

If the answer to that was "yes" then it was success end of story. Winning and losing is only a byproduct, the thing that the FC is selling is "fun".

05-09-2005, 08:06 AM	#2
hotrodkris The One and Only HotRodKristina Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Castle Albrecht Posts: 27,369	Re: Official Results: Focus Challenge 2005 - Buttonwillow Wasn't I nice? Letting Jeff drive in the Challenge and all? Ah well, next one is MINE!

05-09-2005, 03:23 PM	#4
BOWERSdaAZIAN TEAM Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: NorCal/Clovis NM ; wherever the USAF takes me Posts: 777	Re: Official Results: Focus Challenge 2005 - Buttonwillow Yeah this event was soo fun! im so dead tired today, and i still have work But the cossie intake was a very nice pick me up when i opened it this morning. Now ill just have to get better by the next FC event. Alan

05-09-2005, 03:41 PM	#5
Ted7rns Moderator Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Thousand Oaks, California Posts: 4,202	Re: Official Results: Focus Challenge 2005 - Buttonwillow WTG, Sounds like you guys had some great times... I wished I could have made it. I'll try to make it at the next event. Those were some Pretty quick times. I think the best I've done at #13CW was like 2:19.10 or something like that last month in a stock 2.3 Focus. I hope to do better in June there with some new parts from Ricardo of F2.

05-09-2005, 04:42 PM	#6
slidemaster Professor PowerSlide Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: steering backward through the mirror Posts: 7,902	Re: Official Results: Focus Challenge 2005 - Buttonwillow "Those were some Pretty quick times. I think the best I've done at #1CW was like 1:25.00 or something like that last year in a stock 2.3 Focus. I hope to do better in June there with some new parts from Ricardo of F2. -------------------- Well you were in a stock car!! We also had great weather. I really do hope you make it out. Have never met you.

05-09-2005, 05:59 PM	#7
f2focus Associate Sponsor Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Whittier, CA Posts: 1,996	Re: Official Results: Focus Challenge 2005 - Buttonwillow I must say that it was a great event and I want to Thank Andrew Gillis for coming out and driving for me. It was good to see a good turn out and the Cosworth cars were fun to see, two orange cars going down the track was fun and it sounds like they had fun out there. The wagon sounds reall ynice going down the track. Jeff and Kris you guys will love the car when you get the 4.06 and differential. Chris congratulations but next time you will not be so lucky to claim the top spot before the handicap. The F2 car was not far from his time our fastest lap was a 2:13.8, I am proud of our progress and will see you again at the next round with even more power added. Till next time.

05-09-2005, 01:46 AM	#1
BUR_ZX3 [FJ] Addict Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Little Saint Clara, Isle of Queen Califia Posts: 35,702	Official Results: Focus Challenge 2005 - Buttonwillow Overall Winner: # 52 - Scott Laird (ScottishSVT) 2:14.629 Best Raw Lap 2:09.029 Handicapped Best Rookie: #34 - Alan Bowers (bowersdaazian) 2:20.032 Best Raw Lap 2:13.782 Handcapped Final Results: # - Name - Handicapped Time - Raw Time ---------------------------------------------------- 52 - Scott Laird - 2:09.029 - 2.14.629 165 - Chris Stout - 2:11:859 - 2:13.109 <-- Proof the Handicap is EVIL! 720 - Andrew Gillis - 2:13.725 - 2:15.775 34 - Alan Bowers - 2:13.782 - 2:20.032 50 - Lee Watkins - 2:13.865 - 2:19.365 69 - Jeff Biane - 2:20.321 - 2:26.521 57 - Robert Cokeng - 2:21.332 - 2:27.082 827 - Todd Wilson - 2:23:828 - 2:27.828 UNK - Jared Nickerson - TBD - 2:41:753 Andrew wasn't officially entered as a driver **Jared was a late entry and doesn't have a handicap figured. Congratulations to Scott and Alan. These guys were TEARING IT UP out there, and well deserve the honors. FocusChallenge thanks everyone that came out and supported the event, whether as instructors or spectators. Our instructors who teach us were great again, Allen Crockett and Craig Dabbs deserve major props! Also a HUGE thank you to Ken Anderson and Cosworth Racing for coming out and showing us what their car can do (no times available huh?) and providing that great Intake as a raffle prize (that Bowers won). Another thank-you to VF Engineering for the engine mount prize (won by Scotty). Borla deserves big props for donating the exhaust system... which Justin (8888) won. While not racing, Justin was there to support the event, and as you can see... we reward all who come out! (that and Scott didn't need it ;-) ) Also thanks to the guys at Ford for the nifty giveaways, and Vortech as well for the hats and shirts. No major incidents to report. Chris Grout wrecked his back trying to pull his kart out of the mud on the kart track... get well Chris! Lee blew his SVT's power steering pump (You don't say! An SVT blowing its power steering... SHOCKER!) and unfortunately, Robert Cokeng had misfortune with his radiator hose which split spewing coolant... A replacement hose was found, but the car didn't seem to have any compression. He was towed back to Los Angeles promising to see us all again in August! (WHAT A TROOPER! I LOVE THIS GUY!!!!!) Congrats and THANK YOU to all! It was a GREAT weekend!

05-09-2005, 10:52 AM	#3
slidemaster Professor PowerSlide Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: steering backward through the mirror Posts: 7,902	Re: Official Results: Focus Challenge 2005 - Buttonwillow I had a great time. Thanks to Scott for letting me hammer on his car in the morning as a tool for teaching. I had a friend there from Sacramento just watching. He was blown away how everyone worked together. Man , Im tierd today.

05-09-2005, 06:05 PM	#8
hotrodkris The One and Only HotRodKristina Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Castle Albrecht Posts: 27,369	Re: Official Results: Focus Challenge 2005 - Buttonwillow Actually, I think we might gear the wagon, but save the Torsen for the sedan!

05-09-2005, 06:22 PM	#10
hotrodkris The One and Only HotRodKristina Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Castle Albrecht Posts: 27,369	Re: Official Results: Focus Challenge 2005 - Buttonwillow Get me some more seat time and a gutted sedan with a few upgrades... Pahrump here we come! And Ricardo, it only counts as bragging if you're the one doing the driving! If you want to play that way, next time I'll let Craig or Allan borrow the wagon and pwn everyone!

05-09-2005, 06:33 PM	#11
f2focus Associate Sponsor Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Whittier, CA Posts: 1,996	Re: Official Results: Focus Challenge 2005 - Buttonwillow Good point Kris, so then I will announce that Andrew Gillis is one of the drivers for my car. As well as Jeff Ireland, he races in VARA. I will no longer take on the driving duties and I will register as such. The more people we get out there the better, we need to show that the Focus has the potential. I think it was great to see that some of the Focus times were faster then the Mini's. Great progress for everyone.

05-09-2005, 06:43 PM	#12
scottishsvt TEAM Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Back in the great bay area Posts: 259	Re: Official Results: Focus Challenge 2005 - Buttonwillow I would to like to thank everyone for a great weekend. My car was really working well but I can"t compete with Airforce Chris who by the way is a very humble man and ride that he took me for on Saturday in his car was so great but he is a great driver to go along with that. I feel kind of bad that i got the award for the overall winner,maybe there should be one for the gross time winner and one for the Handicap winner. Big thanks to Allan and Alvin as usual and the guys Nick and Chris at red line. Also I enjoyed meeting everyone in a Focus. Thanks to my guys Bull and Otto who helped me out all weekend. Lets do more of these and all you focus guy need to come out and have the time of your life at a Focus challange event. Scottishsvt.

05-09-2005, 08:07 PM	#14
aerostudent Senior TEAM Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Folsom, CA Posts: 2,689	Re: Official Results: Focus Challenge 2005 - Buttonwillow Ricardo, I think you've totally missed the point of FocusChallenge. You're talking about bringing in "hired guns" here. Calling up drivers to take on "weekend warriors" is totally inapporpriate. FocusChallenge is about a community of people that happen to own a Focus, some don't even have one, that like to to and have a good time at the track. It has never been about winning or being faster than everyone.

05-09-2005, 09:03 PM	#15
Dru232 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Morgan Hill, CA Posts: 98	Re: Official Results: Focus Challenge 2005 - Buttonwillow Just to set the record straight - I had never even seen the track before sunday. Also, that was my first session of the day and first time ever in that car. So I was not the hired gun I will be next time!! Thanks for the great day. It was great to see some of you that I had not seen in a while - also to meet some new people. Thanks again to Ricardo and everyone else. Also as far as the community goes I am not just a nobody that just showed up to ruin your day. In fact I was at the first one of these before it was a focus challange and have tried to promote this focus community as much as posible. As far Ricardo goes - why would you want to outcast him in any way? Have you had any experiance with any of his products, because I can tell you first hand that He makes parts that will only elevate the FOCUS COMMUNITY. So what Is the reasoning behind your problem with him? And what makes me no longer welcome in YOUR community and how many people's day did I ruin?

05-09-2005, 09:07 PM	#16
BUR_ZX3 [FJ] Addict Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Little Saint Clara, Isle of Queen Califia Posts: 35,702	Re: Official Results: Focus Challenge 2005 - Buttonwillow Andrew- Its great that you came out... and we'd love to see you whenever your schedule permits. We just needed to make sure everyone was clear about who is driving which car.

05-09-2005, 10:38 PM	#18
Cameroon [FJ] Specialist Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Wherever peculiar people congregate Posts: 5,411	Re: Official Results: Focus Challenge 2005 - Buttonwillow Very well put.

05-09-2005, 11:23 PM	#19
Dru232 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Morgan Hill, CA Posts: 98	Re: Official Results: Focus Challenge 2005 - Buttonwillow The Focus Challange is held during a track event. If you are not interested in competition - do not sign up for the Focus Challange. There is already a "handicap system" in place which brings any car into a level playing field and at that point - the winner is going to be the better driver. Lets get this figured out and not discourage ANY Focus drivers from participating in and supporting this event. I have been driving in Red Line events for three years since it first began - why would anyone have a problem with me continuing to participate? I started off three years ago with a stock Focus - not yet paid for - and now because It is a car which must be trailered - you think it should not be allowed in Focus Challange, or should be in a different class - isn't that what the handicap is about??

05-09-2005, 11:34 PM	#20
OmniFocus Moderator Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mowin' down the cones. (CA) Posts: 26,223	Re: Official Results: Focus Challenge 2005 - Buttonwillow I think what we have here is a rare situation where somebody likes to build cars more than drive them... As odd as it is to some, these folks do exist! These builders take pride in seeing their work do well, but don't always have the interest to do the driving themself. I understand the opposite... Building is okay, but driving is much more fun.

05-09-2005, 11:40 PM	#21
hotrodkris The One and Only HotRodKristina Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Castle Albrecht Posts: 27,369	Re: Official Results: Focus Challenge 2005 - Buttonwillow Andrew, this isn't about 'you', so please don't take it as such. No one has a problem with you racing. Next time we'll just know beforehand which car you will be in. No one knew until the times were posted. The handicap system is something the Focus Challenge 'Management' is currently working on. Yes, it is about competition. And the series has morphed as people mod their cars. But we can NOT lose sight of our humble beginnings. There are a lot more choices out there for serious performance than there used to be, and the guys who've been in since the beginning are all great drivers now. And most of their cars are heavily modified. But that can be intimidating to someone who's got maybe just an exhaust, CAI, lowering springs... and who's only experience with motorsports is playing GT4. Handicap or not, it's still pitting beginners against people with some serious experience. Until this weekend, I had NO IDEA what it was really like, and what my car can really do. This is about taking the FC to the next level, and we're not going to do that with the same bunch of cars showing up to every race. We need fresh blood. If newbies can come out and learn and have fun, and then possibly watch a group of select, specially modified Foci race against the clock -- showing the potential of the platform -- that is our goal. If their car ends up as a trailer queen as well, even better! Because those guys are going to buy the parts that they see tested out there on the track. The new handicap system will be in place before the next FC. Luckily we have awhile to hash things out. The core group of the FC itself is being restructured, and new goals are being laid out. So have patience with 'management', please.

05-09-2005, 11:43 PM	#22
belacyrf [FJ] Addict Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Where my home is Posts: 17,300	Re: Official Results: Focus Challenge 2005 - Buttonwillow I have no problem with either... Andrew is right the FC is supposed to be: 1) Assuming equal cars, the best driver wins 2) Assuming equal drivers, the best car wins So it encourages building your car as well as your skillz. And who cares, it's not like the winner is the "absolute" winner. It just means they get the most "chances" to win whatever giveaways you guys give. Personally I think it's wierd and I understand how some people can look at it cross-eyed, but let it be. You dont want to do anything to hinder participation.

05-09-2005, 11:59 PM	#23
BOWERSdaAZIAN TEAM Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: NorCal/Clovis NM ; wherever the USAF takes me Posts: 777	Re: Official Results: Focus Challenge 2005 - Buttonwillow As i am starting to understand the Focus Challange, i also understand the demands and needs to change it as it becomes a larger event. Of course we dont want to detract from any possible participants, but we also need to work on how to level the playing field. This of course is by the use of the handicap system, but there might need to be another factor taking into account. The drivers of this event might need to be split up into groups just as our cars are now. As it stands, the modifications to ones car is what determines the handicap, but we might need a driver designation. If there was a beginner, intermediate, and advanced grouping selection, that might make for a more even and more fun enviorment. I know we have the novice catagory in effect now, but once the FC becomes a larger gathering, that might need to be expanded. I still have much to learn but just thought i'd share my opinion from my perspective. Alan

05-10-2005, 12:07 AM	#24
belacyrf [FJ] Addict Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Where my home is Posts: 17,300	Re: Official Results: Focus Challenge 2005 - Buttonwillow Guys there were 8 - 10 people at the last event. And if you were to split it up, you'd have 3 advanced (haggis, airforce, and gillis) 2 intermediate (smurf an bur) and the rest beginners... not much fun splitting it up. I think some people are putting the cart in front of the horse here. It's these types of grumblings that hurt the challenge. Did you guys have fun this weekend? If the answer to that was "yes" then it was success end of story. Winning and losing is only a byproduct, the thing that the FC is selling is "fun".