2009 IRI - Event Update

[Adam Freeman]

Originally Posted by Chris Fultz

And as an extra incentive, the 4 team winning alliance will receive an automatic invite and waived entry fee to the 2010 IRI.

Great. Now I have to evaluate the usage of this years "senior" drivers v. using IRI to get next years drivers early experience.

Well maybe not, I guess last years new driver didn't fare that bad at IRI or in 2009.

[XaulZan11]

Originally Posted by ShaneP

Any updates on this?

According to this: http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/papers/2251, 3 mentors over 21 and 1 pre-collage aged coach.

Any chance you could make it 20 and 208 days?

[EricH]

Originally Posted by XaulZan11

According to this: http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/papers/2251, 3 mentors over 21 and 1 pre-collage aged coach.

Any chance you could make it 20 and 208 days?

In other words, nice try, Shane. And if there's experience involved, you're not driving...

[Paul Copioli]

Usually one of the rules for the mentor's match is that you could not have been on the drive team as a student in any capacity, but I say "bring it".

[JaneYoung]

I think the mentors match should include cute older-than-average blondes that have never driven a robot before. But, then, I would never say 'bring it' to Paul Copioli in any driving or coaching capacity, unless I did some extreme wardrobe planning in regard to being trounced. Total.

... just sayin'

[Andy Baker]

I suppose that now is as good as ever to announce this update to IRI.

Stu Bloom will be the IRI head ref. This change is planned for not only 2009, but future years also.

After 9 years of serving as IRI head ref, I am stepping back. There are a few reasons:

- I get distracted with various things during IRI and would like to help out in other areas (entertainment, expo events, fundraisers, etc.).

- I will still be serving as Chris Fultz's right hand man (Chris = big cheese, me = medium cheese). This medium cheese is a big job.

- Stu started as an IRI ref in 2002 and has steadily improved his skill and reputation as an awesome ref. He has been a division head ref during the last 2 years at the Championships... IRI is in good hands with Stu.

Probably the saddest thing to me about this is that I won't be yelled at by good friends of mine. I recall having a rousing argument with Ricky Q in 2005, while still maintaining our friendship. Even last year, there were a few calls (or no calls) that riled up a few friends... that is the kind of stuff I will miss. I truly enjoy those dynamic engagements. I never tried to make them happen, but seeing people who are passionate about this event and the competition is a good thing.

It boils down to this: Stu is an awesome ref. I am needed elsewhere at the event. I am very happy to be able to hand this off to Stu.

Sincerely,
Andy Baker

[IndySam]

Originally Posted by Andy Baker

Sincerely,
Andy Baker

Ah the end of an era. I will never forget when you thought Patrick was giving you an obscene jester.


Can we say that IRI is copying the CAGE match by having Stu as head ref?

[Dave Scheck]

Originally Posted by IndySam

I will never forget when you thought Patrick was giving you an obscene jester.

Nothing's more memorable than giving someone a foul mouthed clown

[Mike Schreiber]

Originally Posted by Andy Baker

I suppose that now is as good as ever to announce this update to IRI.

Stu Bloom will be the IRI head ref. This change is planned for not only 2009, but future years also.

After 9 years of serving as IRI head ref, I am stepping back. There are a few reasons:

- I get distracted with various things during IRI and would like to help out in other areas (entertainment, expo events, fundraisers, etc.).

- I will still be serving as Chris Fultz's right hand man (Chris = big cheese, me = medium cheese). This medium cheese is a big job.

- Stu started as an IRI ref in 2002 and has steadily improved his skill and reputation as an awesome ref. He has been a division head ref during the last 2 years at the Championships... IRI is in good hands with Stu.

Probably the saddest thing to me about this is that I won't be yelled at by good friends of mine. I recall having a rousing argument with Ricky Q in 2005, while still maintaining our friendship. Even last year, there were a few calls (or no calls) that riled up a few friends... that is the kind of stuff I will miss. I truly enjoy those dynamic engagements. I never tried to make them happen, but seeing people who are passionate about this event and the competition is a good thing.

It boils down to this: Stu is an awesome ref. I am needed elsewhere at the event. I am very happy to be able to hand this off to Stu.

Sincerely,
Andy Baker

Andy, You will be missed and you are an excellent ref. and a great asset on the field. I hope you enjot your new role as much as you did your old one, I know you'll be just as good. Good luck to Stu, he has a big pair of shoes to fill, but I'm sure he can handle it.

Good luck at IRI everyone, still don't know if I'll see you there.

[Aren_Hill]

Originally Posted by Andy Baker

Probably the saddest thing to me about this is that I won't be yelled at by good friends of mine. Even last year, there were a few calls (or no calls) that riled up a few friends...

guilty.... i dont think i've had an argument with Stu yet, i'll have to fix that lol

guess what my favorite part of this game is?

[Chris Fultz]

Originally Posted by Paul Copioli

Usually one of the rules for the mentor's match is that you could not have been on the drive team as a student in any capacity, but I say "bring it".

All we have is an age rule - over 21 on the day of the event.

ID required.

[Kevin Kolodziej]

Originally Posted by Chris Fultz

All we have is an age rule - over 21 on the day of the event.

ID required.

So...what you're saying is.....I'M ELIGIBLE TO PLAY AGAIN!?!?!?

I'll pay my team's entry fee...travel fees...hotel fees.....under the table fees....whatever it takes to get back in the game!

[Alex Cormier]

Originally Posted by Kevin Kolodziej

So...what you're saying is.....I'M ELIGIBLE TO PLAY AGAIN!?!?!?

I'll pay my team's entry fee...travel fees...hotel fees.....under the table fees....whatever it takes to get back in the game!

Not so fast... I think this excludes you "Team 71: '99, '00 (Driver), '01 (Driver, Animator), '02 (Driver, Animator)"...

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Alex Cormier

Not so fast... I think this excludes you "Team 71: '99, '00 (Driver), '01 (Driver, Animator), '02 (Driver, Animator)"...

Nothing about experience... Just remember, I think you're eligible too, Alex.

[Alex Cormier]

Originally Posted by EricH

Nothing about experience... Just remember, I think you're eligible too, Alex.

Only if a team would allow me to drive the bot... (I was back up each of my 3 years on a HS team... and lead pit guy)