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TTXGP 2011 - Wiki Rules of Engagement
11th January 2010
World motorsport first, TTXGP 2011 rule book goes wiki... Your chance to be part of the change by helping to shape what we can become.
It was an incredible 2009 for TTXGP and as we launch into the next phase of the journey, I have had a chance to reflect on some of the challenges we faced.
A memorable part has been the formulation of the rules for TTXGP. Having negotiated with the governing authorities and experienced what passes for enlightened benevolence, I have been wondering if there might be a better way.
I want to be clear: we can't blame the authorities for the challenges presented in creating the framework for TTXGP. They are good people motivated to do the right thing. We are all breaking new ground here, looking for and addressing potential problems without the knowledge of real world experiences. And with litigation and insurance being what it is, all credit to them for being expansive in allowing our rules to get validated. Particular thanks to Jim Parker (Chairman) of the ACU, Royce Creasey (for the feet forward section) and of course the IET/TTXGP Technical Panel for helping us get the 2009 rules out.
It does seem that the current committee based system is destined to fail TTXGP for the longer term though. Rules are core to keeping a championship alive with innovation and competition. It's crucial that for TTXGP to thrive, we have a rules framework that is inclusive and sensitive to the needs of all the stakeholders.
Technology is moving too fast for any single person or committee to keep up. The net result is a lag that runs into years between what is possible and what is allowed. In a world, where product cycles are now being measured in months, this is just too long and is disconnected from market realities. Safety is crucial, of course, but I have found that it is often thrown up as reason without any real science to support it and the net result is promising avenues of research are instantly closed with an untold opportunity cost.
Besides rules are an outcome of particular circumstance and moment in time so as the technology solves the underlying problems, the rules prohibiting the root causes become part of the fabric of the regulatory structure. So the rules keep growing and with that become complex, expensive and an impediment to progress on the track and beyond.
The TTXGP eGrandPrix is about pushing the limits and staying on the leading edge of technology...but if we want to turn that ambition into something tangible and more than just a marketing slogan then we have to challenge conventions and think differently and think globally.
With this in mind, we are going to try something different for TTXGP 2011. I think it's fair to describe this as an exercise with uncertain outcomes. But the reward is well worth the effort, so we are going to give this a go. We invite you to be part of shaping us for the future.
We have created a rules wiki at www.egrandprix.com/wiki. You can take the 2010 rules posted there and let us know how you think they should be amended via the wiki systems. It's your chance to be a part of the change you seek. We need 2011 to be bigger, better and faster, and with your help, we hope to stay ahead of the curve. Our strength is our recognition that inclusion and diversity are the among the core elements of success in our new endeavour.
As far as we know, this is a world first for motorsport, but then that that has been the TTXGP way. The process is evolving. But in broad terms, we will close the wiki sometime in August 2010 and start sifting through the contributions. Clearly, not every suggestion can be adopted. But in general, the principle will be to include on merit by default and then to look for reasons to exclude. We hope to present the technical rules for 2011 at the TTXGP Final/UEM 2010 on October 24th.
The amendments will be filtered for practicality, cost, commercials, safety and verification. You will have to waive your rights to ownership to any contributions, but those that are adopted will be acknowledged publicly (if they wish) and receive a token of our appreciation (everybody). The wiki will be moderated by an independent lawyer, in this case, Harry Mallin has been kind enough to take on this role. He is our first lord of the ring and has undertaken to maintain the intellectual integrity of the process and the mission.
The way rules are done today is a product of by-gone era, and would not exist if we were to start now. Today, technology, globalization, communications and the pace of change would never allow it. Actually, a bit like the combustion engine really.
But TTXGP is starting today and if we want to remain fresh, relevant and global, then we have to be inclusive on an international scale. Our wiki is the first step to doing that. Future years will see the consultation expand beyond just the web and beyond just the rules, but we start here and now. And we ask the world to teach us to be smarter and faster so that we can deliver events that showcase the very best of motorsport ingenuity and thrills whatever your timezone and however you touch The eGrandPrix. In doing so, we provide a meaningful and timely technology roadmap from track to road.
If all goes well, then the steps we take today will become the foundation of TTXGP eGrandPrix for the future. Your contributions could become part of what drives not just the sport, but the world.
New Day, New Rules, New Game. Be Part of it. This is TTXGP - The eGrandPrix.
Azhar Hussain
CEO, The eGrandPrix
TTXGP EMXGP Mavizen
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