So, after 3 sessions, or maybe after lunch, is it ok to pass within your group? I suppose when you get to your CR, the passing stops? That's when you ask to be moved up to a faster group?
My experiences in Novice with STT... Usually first session is parade laps so everyone is comfortable and knows the track, runoff, cornerworkers, and a hot pit run with example of when you should signal you're pitting out (at least for the slower groups), great if you have never seen the track before. I have always been instructed to stay in line, no passing in-group, it's never been an issue because the instructor should be checking regularly (like after every corner) to make sure everyone is keeping up fine. Second session will be a faster pace but nothing crazy, group passing if necessary where a whole group passes a whole other group, still no in-group passing. Third session, point to pass. A lap or two to get tires warm and get into the groove, group instructor points to you and you either give a big nod or a big NO head movement then you are waved by. They follow and watch for a little bit, any big concerns they have and they will pass you back. Point to pass is not meant for you to just gun it and go. I have never had to pass someone in my group but I have seen it done. Either a mechanical or super nervous rider, not sure which. The next group soaks them up or they pit out. However, there have been times where I'm the last in the group and we are lagging way behind the instructor. I don't want to pass them and make them more nervous on track that they are going too slow and they try to go too fast and end up crashing. I just chill, nothing is going to happen by staying behind, my group won't leave me, it's the morning sessions and they're pretty relaxed, no need to get antsy. Usually the person ahead feels more comfortable going fast in a straight line and we catch up and the instructor sees a rider lagging behind and slows down on the straight. After lunch sessions - group cones are taken up and we're free to go, or with instructor leading out for the first session or two after lunch to limit cold tire crashes. I think that's generally it? Like Trevor says at the riders meeting. "If you think you can make the pass, you can't." (something along those lines) You need to know you can. In Novice, if they didn't say you can, don't. There are reasons.
Because when we aren't coaching (like in the Novice group), we go out and play in the Advanced group or the Intermediate group.
It wasn't a big deal, still had fun and learned a lot. Just was a bummer- head guy talked about an open session at the end of the day and there was some miscommunication, and to keep things safe we did what had to be done. It was simple miscommunication , no biggy. We were the fast novice group. Only two of us. Control rider told us at the end of the day to bump up to I. Like I said I still learned a lot an had fun. That's what it's all about.