Method and system for controlling auto races

Abstract

A method of conducting a racing competition among a plurality of race cars including conducting qualifying trials among the plurality race cars, arranging the race cars in qualifying order arrangement for the start of the race, altering at least one of time, distance or speed parameters of one or more of the plurality of race cars during the race, and determining the winner and order of race finish at the completion of the race based on the parameters

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . An apparatus for conducting a racing competition on a race track among a plurality race cars, said apparatus being constructed and arranged to allow a change in direction of the plurality of race cars, said apparatus having the race track formed as an oval or circular race track and further comprising:
 a start/finish line demarcated on the race track;   a pit area disposed adjacent to the race track where the race cars are each periodically serviced and including individual pit stalls each for the service of a respective race car;   said pit area including opposite first and second ends;   a first lane for the race cars and connecting the first end of the pit area with a first location on the race track;   a second lane for the race cars and connecting the second end of the pit area with a second location on the race track that is spaced from the first location on the race track;   said second lane being a bifurcated lane comprised of a first ramp and a second ramp that both connect from the second end of the pit area to the race track about the second location;   said change in direction of the plurality of race cars being between a counterclockwise direction of travel “A” on the race track and a clockwise direction of travel “B” on the race track;   including a safety car that is uses to lead the plurality of race cars so that, for the change of direction, the safety car leads the plurality of race cars through the pit area and then turns in an opposite direction upon leaving the pit area;   when traveling in direction “A”, the first lane is used by the race cars to enter the pit area and the second ramp is used to exit the pit area;   when traveling in direction “B”, the second ramp is used by the race cars to enter the pit area and the first lane is used to exit the pit area.   
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 20  including caution lights associated with the race track. 
     
     
         22 . The apparatus of  claim 20  wherein the first and second ramps terminate at the race track at spaced apart locations. 
     
     
         23 . The apparatus of  claim 22  wherein the second lane includes a single lane connected from the pit area and leading to the bifurcated first and second ramps.