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New Blocking Rule, …no wait, it’s the same one.

http://openpaddock.net/2012/02/09/indycar-new-blocking-rule-no-wait...

In the new 2012 IZOD IndyCar Rule Book, the infamous Rule 9.3(B) on blocking will remain unchanged! That's not necessarily a bad thing. Its the interpretation of that rule that caused so much angst. There's an article on IndyCar.com that summarizes Barfield's philosophy regarding the rule, and in the article above, I summarize my thoughts and opinion on how this change of philosophy will affect the racing we see. I'm very optimistic that we won't be talking about Race Control every Monday morning this season!

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Permalink Reply by Iowa Guy on February 9, 2012 at 6:28pm

Just read the ESPN story you alluded to (linked to on the IICS site) about Barfield and your take on OP, and I can't help but feel encouraged that he is going to have a much, much better approach to this whole thing.

No, maybe on paper the rule is unchanged, But unless he's just spouting political BS, it seems that Barfield is going to take a much more pragmatic approach to some rules and may actually (gasp!) use common sense. Sounds to me like he's going to actually allow some "racing moves" to be used without penalty in regard to what constitutes blocking. I say bravo if this is the case. In what world are you expected to not make an effort to protect your position? I've always had a problem with this. Cutting sharply across someone's bow after they've gotten under you sends you to the locker room, of course. But simply making it harder for the person following you to pass should not be penalized.

Bottom line I like the most with Barfield? Sounds like most rules are going to be pretty black-and-white. Only way it ever works.

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Permalink Reply by PJ Kirschbaum on February 9, 2012 at 6:44pm

One move...thats it.

Make a second or 'blocking' move, your excluded from the rest of the race.

Works for me.

That ends all discussion of this stupid rule.

Funny we never had these issues when these series raced on ovals.

Now? Not so much.

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Permalink Reply by xorpheous on February 9, 2012 at 6:50pm

Are you serious? Helio is the KING when it comes to blocking on an oval!

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Permalink Reply by xorpheous on February 9, 2012 at 6:57pm

Clear, decisive, and consistent. I think this is something that most people, competitors and fans alike, expect out of any officiating crew be it in racing or a stick-n-ball sport. I know we have yet to see a single act of officiating from Barfield, but given everything that I've heard from him, not only in these recent articles, but ever since his hiring, I've been very impressed. To be sure, there will be some calls with which not everyone will agree, but that's par for the course in officiating. I do think we'll see a much more consistent and professionally run Race Control this year.

I guess the acid test will be T1 at St. Pete here in a month and a half, eh?

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Permalink Reply by xorpheous on February 9, 2012 at 8:15pm

More details about the 2012 rulebook have been divulged by SpeedTV's Marshall Pruett.

http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-competition-rules-re...

I'm liking it! While I may not be especially excited about the new chassis, and I think there are a lot of issues related to IndyCar's market penetration, this change in officiating philosophy is VERY welcome and can do nothing but good things for the sport, hopefully restoring some of it's credibility.

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Permalink Reply by Squall on February 15, 2012 at 12:49am

If it's the same Brainfart rule that was in place for Edmonton, then it's pure bullshit. If it's not, then I am willing to observe before making my decision.