Driver Killed at Willow Springs
05-30-2008, 01:47 PM
#91
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05-30-2008, 01:53 PM
#92
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Thanks Todd. I know this system is not perfect, but as JC points out, this is a multi-club, multi-car endeavor.
This is a simple idea in concept, but it really has been hard in implementation. Gathering racers and track day enthusiasts is like herding cats!
I just want all the help I can get wherever I can get it. We need lots of vocal people posting comments and votes. We then need to try and convince the Huth's at WSIR that all that equals dollars up or dollars down for them. It is that simple.
As you can see I joined this forum on Jan of 2005, but this is only my third post and my first one happened less than an hour ago. This issue means a lot to me as it does to all of you or you would not be on this thread.
This is a simple idea in concept, but it really has been hard in implementation. Gathering racers and track day enthusiasts is like herding cats!
I just want all the help I can get wherever I can get it. We need lots of vocal people posting comments and votes. We then need to try and convince the Huth's at WSIR that all that equals dollars up or dollars down for them. It is that simple.
As you can see I joined this forum on Jan of 2005, but this is only my third post and my first one happened less than an hour ago. This issue means a lot to me as it does to all of you or you would not be on this thread.
05-30-2008, 02:01 PM
#93
Still plays with cars.
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fatbilly - So far, waivers have stood up in court in most jurisdictions. That's insofar as negligence is concerned. Gross Negligence cannot be waived, no matter what the paperwork says.
I agree with the post saying that most tracks were built before safety became a major concern. Racing drivers died frequently back then. Today, FIA certification requires proper run off areas and safety considerations. WSIR is probably not an FIA track.
In light of the accident (perhaps more than one) I think WSIR could be charged with gross negligence for not addressing the problem. There are plenty of racetrack architects well schooled in proper design for safety. Allan Wilson (Barber and Miller for example) is one of them.
Nothing is perfect of course, but the fact that one takes reasonable precautions is enough to avoid being nailed for Gross Negligence.
I drive mostly at Le Circuit Mont Tremblant, once home to the Canadian Grand Prix as well as Can-Am and Trans-Am races. In those days, there were trees and huge boulders lining the course! About 5 years ago it was renovated to modern FIA standards - run off gravel traps and such were added to bring it to modern standards. Much safer then the original design dating back to 1965. Pro racers and sanctioning bodies like Grand-Am, Champ car etc. demand a facility which meets current safety regs. This is a good thing for Club Racers and DE participants who use those circuits. It doesn't guarantee perfect safety but it does puts the odds more in your favor.
Best,
I agree with the post saying that most tracks were built before safety became a major concern. Racing drivers died frequently back then. Today, FIA certification requires proper run off areas and safety considerations. WSIR is probably not an FIA track.
In light of the accident (perhaps more than one) I think WSIR could be charged with gross negligence for not addressing the problem. There are plenty of racetrack architects well schooled in proper design for safety. Allan Wilson (Barber and Miller for example) is one of them.
Nothing is perfect of course, but the fact that one takes reasonable precautions is enough to avoid being nailed for Gross Negligence.
I drive mostly at Le Circuit Mont Tremblant, once home to the Canadian Grand Prix as well as Can-Am and Trans-Am races. In those days, there were trees and huge boulders lining the course! About 5 years ago it was renovated to modern FIA standards - run off gravel traps and such were added to bring it to modern standards. Much safer then the original design dating back to 1965. Pro racers and sanctioning bodies like Grand-Am, Champ car etc. demand a facility which meets current safety regs. This is a good thing for Club Racers and DE participants who use those circuits. It doesn't guarantee perfect safety but it does puts the odds more in your favor.
Best,
05-30-2008, 02:38 PM
#94
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OK, I did a little work with some help from JC.
Todd and Et al, I aim to please...
Here is a formal online petition everyone can sign. Please, please, please sign it now! No registration required:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/P...edTrackSafety/
Todd and Et al, I aim to please...
Here is a formal online petition everyone can sign. Please, please, please sign it now! No registration required:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/P...edTrackSafety/
05-30-2008, 05:43 PM
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Wow, this is ironic. My wife just came back from singing a funeral, and it was for this man who died at Willow. Not the best timing for me, either, as I've got a track weekend starting tomorrow at, you guessed it, Willow Springs...
