I spoke to several people and vendors today regarding the scoring "chip". (I run a computer/networking shop)It's a little confusing but here's the scoop;

Step one is a software program that keeps track of riders info, history, bike numbers etc, etc...with this program in place, sign ups would be a breeze. You would tell the person at sign up (on a computer) who you are and what classes you want to run today, pay them and you're done. They already know your address, emergency contact,etc. Its in the computer. At the end of sign up, they automatically have a detailed list of the day. How many guys in each class, how many motos based on riders, how many riders will advance....it does everything! This step will add massive speed and ease to the whole event from signup to final result posting...BUT it still requires people to count laps and enter them into the computer.

Step two is the "chip".. This is not the same as the AMA uses. Those things cost big bucks (over $500 each) and can tell the computer guy where each bike is at any second, time difference between 1st and 2nd and tons of other stuff. The one that Peggy and ruffryder were talking about can be as cheap as $35!! Some equipment (wires and stuff) has to installed over the finish line and thats it. All this will do is keep track of the lap and final order. Each chip has a code that is assigned to a rider so it knows that chip number 656473845 = #159 = Tom Lyons. As soon as the race is over, one file is processed and the results are printed out. 100% accurate, no BS!

I am gonna keep working on this and prepare a total quote per track so we know for sure what were talking about but this looks good. Keep in mind that ALL RIDERS would need a "chip". I would definately pay $35 for it, would you? The tracks and / or NESC would have the biggest expense of the software, 3-5 small computers, some additonal hardware, installation, training and setup. But it would make ALL of our lives (or our sundays anyway) much better. More soon.....

-- Toml #159 (toml@pmcomputers.com), May 10, 2000

Answers

i think that sounds like a good idea i would pay $35 bucks just to make sign up quicker it was a joke at southwick this pass weekend and nesc just doesnt seem to care i waited 1 hour just to get through sign up and there was still a long line when i got done and it was almost 9:00 (when practice starts) so anything to speed up sign up and position postings is a great idea

-- (randygrapes218@aol.com), May 15, 2000.