A bad day at Willow Springs - Transporting Wounded Car from LA to SF
03-19-2003, 06:27 PM
#31
Rennlist Member
This is an update from Willow Springs International Raceway on the fatality reported above:
Martin -
The fatality involved was a member of our family, my nephew Joe Olenick, who worked here at Willow, and raced motorcycles as well. He was driving his own car and was not on the racetrack when it happened. Thank you for the offer of assistance, but we're OK with everything for now.
Best Regards,
Christopher Huth
Willow Springs International Raceway
chris@willowspringsraceway.com
phone 661-256-1944
<a href="http://www.willowspringsraceway.com" target="_blank">www.willowspringsraceway.com</a>
<img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" />
Martin -
The fatality involved was a member of our family, my nephew Joe Olenick, who worked here at Willow, and raced motorcycles as well. He was driving his own car and was not on the racetrack when it happened. Thank you for the offer of assistance, but we're OK with everything for now.
Best Regards,
Christopher Huth
Willow Springs International Raceway
chris@willowspringsraceway.com
phone 661-256-1944
<a href="http://www.willowspringsraceway.com" target="_blank">www.willowspringsraceway.com</a>
<img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" />
03-19-2003, 07:07 PM
#32
Three Wheelin'
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Martin - thanks for clarifying that. I was thinking of calling over there to see if there was a memorial fund to contribute to. Although my wife and I have only driven there 3 times, we have always been impressed with the staff (and they are currently baby sitting our special 930).
03-19-2003, 07:54 PM
#33
Drifting
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I just finished chatting with Paul Kramer, and he gave me permission to post his take on what happened to the Turbo:
Hi Scott,
Although I did not see the incident, I did get a first hand account from my Dad who was right behind it. The student did have an instructor in the car with him and I know the instructor who did his best to control an "out of control" situation. The student has been to many schools and may be a bit overconfident which is very natural. 3 things were going against this student: 1. Equipment preparedness...you always need to check your tire pressures before going on the track. If he checked it and noticed a dramatic difference, do not go on the track until the tire is thoroughly inspected. 2. The wind was unusually high even for Willow Springs. You could feel the wind moving the car which could easily cause a driver to mistake a low tire for wind. 3. The driver should have gone straight off and put both clutch and brake in. It is very easy to get caught up in trying to save a spin, but after 2 corrections, the chances are very unlikely. And, in this case with a bad tire, improbable. My dad said that the driver was very aggressive on a very cold and windy track. He said there were late passes as well. He saw smoke coming from the tire on the straight away and his instructor thought it might be oil. By time the car got to turn two, my dad could tell there was something wrong with the tire. And as the car lost control, the rim of the deflated tire dug into the pavement and caused a slow roll of the car. Fortunately, it was at lower speeds and both were wearing helmets. However, if this had happened at a higher speed turn, it would have been worse. I had my students perform at about 70% of potential throughout the day. It just wasn't worth pushing it. The track was so cold that tires were not heating up. Plus, the wind was really pushing the cars around. In the end, the students that took the advice of their instructors not only had a safe and fun day, but at the slower speeds, they really learned a lot more about car control. I hope this helps out. This was an extremely unusual thing (and the first in over 25 schools) to happen. But, in the end, the driver could have avoided it. Feel free to call me if you have any other questions.
Paul.
Hi Scott,
Although I did not see the incident, I did get a first hand account from my Dad who was right behind it. The student did have an instructor in the car with him and I know the instructor who did his best to control an "out of control" situation. The student has been to many schools and may be a bit overconfident which is very natural. 3 things were going against this student: 1. Equipment preparedness...you always need to check your tire pressures before going on the track. If he checked it and noticed a dramatic difference, do not go on the track until the tire is thoroughly inspected. 2. The wind was unusually high even for Willow Springs. You could feel the wind moving the car which could easily cause a driver to mistake a low tire for wind. 3. The driver should have gone straight off and put both clutch and brake in. It is very easy to get caught up in trying to save a spin, but after 2 corrections, the chances are very unlikely. And, in this case with a bad tire, improbable. My dad said that the driver was very aggressive on a very cold and windy track. He said there were late passes as well. He saw smoke coming from the tire on the straight away and his instructor thought it might be oil. By time the car got to turn two, my dad could tell there was something wrong with the tire. And as the car lost control, the rim of the deflated tire dug into the pavement and caused a slow roll of the car. Fortunately, it was at lower speeds and both were wearing helmets. However, if this had happened at a higher speed turn, it would have been worse. I had my students perform at about 70% of potential throughout the day. It just wasn't worth pushing it. The track was so cold that tires were not heating up. Plus, the wind was really pushing the cars around. In the end, the students that took the advice of their instructors not only had a safe and fun day, but at the slower speeds, they really learned a lot more about car control. I hope this helps out. This was an extremely unusual thing (and the first in over 25 schools) to happen. But, in the end, the driver could have avoided it. Feel free to call me if you have any other questions.
Paul.
03-20-2003, 01:18 AM
#34
Interesting to see what opinions there are of when someone is "out of control"
During Skip Barber Race school this summer, my 3 day class had an unusual number of mishaps. My car partner was an experienced Kart racer and although young and aggressive was clearing a knowledgeable and talented driver. The instructors commented that both of us were pushing the limits of the street tires, but seemed to be in control so there were no problems when we both had minor spins.
When we watched the other groups it was interesting to listen to the comments and feedback from different participants and instructors. One person's "out of control" can be anothers "pushing the limits". In the case of DE's I have learned that keeping the testosterone in check is easier said than done.
During Skip Barber Race school this summer, my 3 day class had an unusual number of mishaps. My car partner was an experienced Kart racer and although young and aggressive was clearing a knowledgeable and talented driver. The instructors commented that both of us were pushing the limits of the street tires, but seemed to be in control so there were no problems when we both had minor spins.
When we watched the other groups it was interesting to listen to the comments and feedback from different participants and instructors. One person's "out of control" can be anothers "pushing the limits". In the case of DE's I have learned that keeping the testosterone in check is easier said than done.
