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Old 12-03-2008, 12:16 PM   #5
MartinG
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 89610
Join Date: Jun 2005
Chapter/Region: TXIC
Location: Houston, TX
Vehicle:
2006 STI Silver
Honda Civic & CRX Old

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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mechie3 View Post
Oh Snap! (sorry had too...still reading though )

EDIT: So, SNAP is what you believe the "true pax" is based upon the actual cars in a class whereas the real PAX value is what the handicap should theoretically be for a car modified to the complete extent of that classes rules, right?
Thanks for checking it out! Yes, your summary is spot on. My approach measures actual performance for the previous season to arrive at the adjustment factors.

That works best for well subscribed classes with enough fully developed cars/drivers. It doesn't work well for classes like SM, AM and perhaps even STU where many cars are not fully prepped. Also, rain at the National Championships can impact the adjustment factor for the affected classes if they are thinly subscribed at National Tours. For well populated classes there is very little difference between PAX and SNAP adjustments.

On the other hand, SNAP is a calculation that doesn't leave any wiggle room and it should be immune to claims that is is hard or soft for certain classes. PAX can be (and has been) debated at length and in some cases the factors were adjusted after the debate, which just shows how much discretion is involved in setting them. Finally SNAP doesn't have artificial restrictions such as AM is automatically the fastest class. It just reflects the previous year's reality.

I think both ways of normalizing performance are useful because they measure slightly different things.
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