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**zimbo** · 29 Jun 08, 07:54 AM

I believe the deal was that we could have seperate grids if we could provide 25 starters for each class - obviously this hasn't quite been achieved. There are a lot of rounds competing at Brands, and only so many race slots (actual racing start and end times for the day are dictated by the local council) so there is more pressure on grids than there would be at, say, Pembrey or Mallory.
I think it's probably worth saying at this stage that the situation for Donington will be even tougher, Donington is a popular venue and not many races there in the year so grids and classes are generally oversubscribed there. We really do need to get entries in early for that one if we're going to avoid being in the same situation again!
As for concerns about traffic at Brands, the number of grid slots is restricted on any circuit to the number deemed to be "safe" but Brands is indeed a short circuit so it will feel a bit crowded. Both classes qualified together last year (about 60 bikes) and many of us found it very overcrowded!
Last, New Era will inded have taken a decision on grids after the entry cut off date with the grid class splits dictated by the number of entries recieved. If they've got three grid slots, 40 DD entrants and 48 600 entrants for instance, they'll give the 600s two grids and combine us on one - extra revenue for them, and they do run this as a business rather than for our benefit!

29 Jun 08, 07:54 AM	#40 (permalink)
zimbo Ducati Legend Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Gloucestershire Posts: 1,991 zimbo's Gallery Bike: Multi, 600SS DD	I believe the deal was that we could have seperate grids if we could provide 25 starters for each class - obviously this hasn't quite been achieved. There are a lot of rounds competing at Brands, and only so many race slots (actual racing start and end times for the day are dictated by the local council) so there is more pressure on grids than there would be at, say, Pembrey or Mallory. I think it's probably worth saying at this stage that the situation for Donington will be even tougher, Donington is a popular venue and not many races there in the year so grids and classes are generally oversubscribed there. We really do need to get entries in early for that one if we're going to avoid being in the same situation again! As for concerns about traffic at Brands, the number of grid slots is restricted on any circuit to the number deemed to be "safe" but Brands is indeed a short circuit so it will feel a bit crowded. Both classes qualified together last year (about 60 bikes) and many of us found it very overcrowded! Last, New Era will inded have taken a decision on grids after the entry cut off date with the grid class splits dictated by the number of entries recieved. If they've got three grid slots, 40 DD entrants and 48 600 entrants for instance, they'll give the 600s two grids and combine us on one - extra revenue for them, and they do run this as a business rather than for our benefit!