Time Trial Bracket Competition
Before we cover our Time Trial Bracket Racing, we'll briefly explain what bracket racing in drag racing is.
What is drag racing bracket racing?
Bracket racing in drag racing is intended to allow all cars to compete against each other regardless of the vehicles racing. In a drag racing bracket race, cars are "dialed-in" to run a certain time on a drag strip. Cars are give a dial-in based on their previous race results. For example, one car would have a 10 second dial-in while another car might have an 8 second dial-in. For these two cars to participate in a bracket race against each other, the car with an 8 second dial in would start the race 2 seconds after the car with the 10 second dial-in.
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Now we know the general concept of bracket racing.
What is this Time Trial Bracket (TTB) competition?
Time Trial Bracket borrows this concept of dialing-in by first getting some "baseline" lap data for all of the cars competing. Once the baseline lap times are in, the drivers can review the lap data and choose the "target" lap time they think they can run, given one "Time Attack" lap to set a time.
For example:
Mike drives a 2015 Mazda MX-5 and Carla drives a 2000 Chevy Corvette Z06. Mike reviews the lap time data from the 20-minute baseline session. These were his 3 fastest laps:
2:01.301, 1:58.655, and 1:58.800
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Mike thinks he's going to drive just a bit faster than his fastest lap of 1.58.655, so he provides his target time of 1.58.450. His target time is recorded by the RevMatch staff. During the Time Attack session, Mike runs a time of 1:58.550 which is 0.100 seconds off from his target time.
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Carla in her 2000 Chevy Corvette sets the following laps during her baseline session:
1:55.444, 1:53.222, 1:53.111
Carla decides to set 1:53.111 as her target lap time and provides it to the RevMatch staff. During the Time Attack session, Carla runs a time of 1:52.911 which is 0.200 seconds off from her target time.
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Even though Carla ran a faster lap time, Mike had a smaller difference between his target time and his time attack lap. Therefore, Mike would be the winner.
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Can a driver set a slower target time than the baseline lap data and drive slower?
No, drivers are not permitted to set a target lap time slower than the fastest baseline lap, with the exception of significant track condition changes such as rain.
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Time Trial Bracket Format
Baseline Session
First, all drivers competing in the TTB will be given a 20-minute baseline session. Point-by passing is required. Ask for more space on track if necessary.
Lap Data Review
Then, after the baseline session is over, lap time data will be posted in a central location for drivers to review. Drivers will then choose a target lap time to run. Targets must be faster than all baseline laps. Drivers will report the target to the RevMatch timing staff.
Time Attack
Finally, once target lap times are recorded, all drivers will be sent out on track individually to complete one (1) running start lap to record their Time Attack lap. Once the driver crosses the start/finish line twice to complete their full lap, they will exit the track and enter the paddock.