Interesting point Tangler, but somewhat flawed.
As far as technical protests are concerned, anyone has the right to protest another's equipment. You say you want more testing, but how long before and after the event are you prepared to wait for everyone to be tested adequately? In addition, fuel sampling is quite complex, time consuming and expensive, so will tend to be done only at Championship events.
As far as protests for driving offences is concerned, you cannot seriously expect the officials to see everything, so occasionally a protest from the competitor is required. Give the Clerk the evidence and see what happens. Whilst on the subject, lets clear up a couple of misconceptions. The Flag marshals are not observers. You may occasionally get a report from a marshal, but that isn't what they are there fore and I'd just as soon have them concentrating on the job in hand and reporting as a secondary issue. Return of fees. The book may say that unsuccessful protests or appeals are liable to have the fee retained (doesn't mean always), but if you win you definitely get it back.
The amount of the fee is probably about right, if slightly lower than I'd like (to discourage spurious protests which waste everyones time). However, it is what it is and is probably a fraction of what is spent by even the least budgeted drivers over a race weekend - SHOULD YOU NEED TO SPEND IT. Some years ago, I did suggest a formula for protest fees based on the square footage of the awning being worked out of. A bit tongue in cheek, but it would provide a sliding scale of fees based on the perceived ability to pay.
Just a final footnote. A driver has the right to protest. I support that right. It might extend my day by an hour or so, but I still support that right whether the person is subsequently successful or not. There is a process to go through, which is clearly laid out in section C.(d). and I would ancourage all our competitors to read it and understand their rights. IainB
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