> I think Mark has a point about commenting on events you don't attend.
>
> The comments do then lead to a general discussion on speeds. These
> discussions, inevitably, get referenced back to the course which started
the
> discussion. Most people notice this trap and "Lurk" -- not caring to get
> embroiled in petty discussions and leaving the safety issues to the Safety
> Stewards at the events. These people have a copy of the rules and the
> reality of the site conditions in front of them.
If it was one event I would concur. But it apparently isn't. It was reported
at Tokeka, then Meridian, and now at Ft. Worth. I am not reporting the
incidents. I am merely reacting to this apparent trend as I did after
Meridian.
>
> In broad generalizations, some people feel that the speed has increased to
a
> point where safety is becoming an issue while, others feel that there is
not
> a safety issue with speed but, rather that poor course design (improper
> corner/speed/obstacle combinations) would be the primary contributor to
> safety issues and that those issues do not typically exist. The latter
> argue that a "red herring" does not constitute the norm and this is a lot
of
> fuss about nothing.
>
> I fall with the latter group. In my opinion, one should not plan for
utter
> stupidity but, rather, some mistakes, stuck throttles, brakes going out,
> etc. should be the factors which are considered. Everyone participating
in
> motor sports (even autocross) should be aware of the inherent risks. If
> there is a section where high speeds are attained and you could lose
control
> and hit something, given that loss of control, then you have an unsafe
> course. Just because you hit XXmph does not make it unsafe.
E=mvv.
I have seen photos of a 944 Turbo doing somersaults down a straight after a
brake rotor failed and jammed. It wasn't pretty. Stuff happens. And the
faster you go the more stuff that happens. That's why the safety and license
requirements are there for Solo 1 while they aren't for Solo II.
>
> I think that everyone involved with actually executing the rules of this
> sport does an excellent job of taking all the factors into consideration.
> What I have heard on Team.net are typically extreme viewpoints which are
> taken as such. The rules and people applying said rules are typically
> (hopefully) in the middle of the spectrum.
I am merely expressing my opinion.
I believe that the essence of autocrossing is slow speed courses and car
control. It remains safe only as long as speeds are kept down. Once they are
allowed to creep up there will be more incidents and the consequences will
be greater. And if a spectator is ever killed it might even mean and end to
the sport.
And if you think autocrossing is really safe consider this: There are no
requirements for the installation of racing harnesses. You can even attach
them to a flimsy harness bar and they will be totally ineffective if you do
hit something substantial like a light pole.
Paul Foster
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