What I hate about transponders... more than the cost which is just a cost of racing... is turning them in at the end of the day to get the deposit back. It's a pain, you're ready to go home... there is a long line... And as others have pointed out you can't really buy the thing since techology is changing so fast and you will probably need to get a new unit next year. Transponders suck!
I also think you need people scoring either way... since well, transponders suck...
Jeremy, go with the absolute cheapest option and get some real live people to score (back up) call me next year. I'll score.
Oh BLAH! Kidding.
This is true, you still need a person scoring as a back-up, just in case. More times than not you dont really them from what I have heard, but it is a good idea anyway. If you want to be me by back-up scorer that'd be cool Karen. I need all the help I can get, for sure. I will try to get ahold of you.
It is easy to forget about that transponder, especially after a long day of racing, or a long weekend. We will be making annoucements to remind people. I did once, I kept it for a couple months, an expensive forget.
I have never encountered a long line at any national quad races. 600-700 racers, no line there. Maybe at Loretta's? I think the trackside or escore group do a good job. It might take two minutes to rent one.