so should we look at running a small 2-4 car heat 1 and more cars in heat 2 - 3 going off previous positions? down side is people don't get the practice at being lapped, and knowing who's coming up quick, but it might pay off for some people when the first start (or me)

Has to be worth trying!

Makes sense to crowd the higher rather than lower heats. But in general we shouldn't try too hard to separate everyone, it's good for skillz if people learn to driver near each other.