QuestionI have a very basis question asked by my 8 year old son about racing (which I know nothing about). Do all race drivers start at the same time? Since the inside positions would seem to have a shorter distance to go, how is that accommodated for?
AnswerIn most modern motor racing both in the US and elsewhere, the "pole" position is the inside front row. However in many forms of racing the winning driver (fastest time in qualifying laps) is allowed to select which position he desires , inside, middle (at Indianapolis) or outside.
It's rare to see a driver select the outside pole, but on some road race circuits, there would be an advantage. Yes, they all start at once, usually with the fastest at the front.
The short answer is that the fastest qualifyer earned the position, others are challenged with catching him. Frequently this is not an easy task but on the other hand it's quite rare for a driver to start on the pole and manitain that position throughout a race.
Now then, I was once in a handicap race and every car there was faster than mine (an old Datsun) due to larger motors. different rules and so forth. So I started at the back of the pack. Then the Chief Steward of the race announced, "Ok Dan's on the pole- - -the rest of y'all have 15 laps to CATCH him !!" From my perspective it was a hell of a race, I got to see a LOT of action at the first, then drove my heart out trying to stay in front of them, and finished third overall to a MONSTER Corvette, and a tricked out Mustang. It was about the most fun I ever had in a race !! That happened about 15 years ago and the participants, myself included are still telling stories about it !
Thanks for an unusual question, please join your son in watching a few races. Try to attend a live on or two. The sights and sounds are truely awesome. Take some ear plugs just in case.
Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida
