chmodlf

iTrader: (19)

I heard from someone that was there that he did not have a HANS. He claimed that the wreck was not too bad.

Not sure if this is true or not. Third hand info...

Moral of the story - buy one less mod and get a HANS or similar!!!!

larryw

iTrader: (4)

So horrible. Does anyone know if he was wearing a Hans?

espritv8

iTrader: (1)

http://forums.audiworld.com/s4/msgs/2069695.phtml

Here is a link that has some additional info about the event.

I currently do not have a cage in my Evo, but after reading things like this I think I will no have one installed.

My prayers go out to their family.

Kayaalp

iTrader: (1)

It was NOT an Audi event. Thankfully, the BMW CCA and Audi Clubs have never had a fatality at any of their events. The Watkins Glen fatality you're referring to occurred at a Riesentoter Region PCA event.

Personally, I have been criticized on this forum for voicing my opinion that most PCA chapters seem to have lower safety standards than other similar organizations. It's WAY too easy to get signed off. In this case, the driver of the Boxster S was in the Green group (i.e., total beginners) but was signed off to solo for the last session of the last day. This is a BIG problem for a variety of reasons I don't want to get into again.

The bottom line is that the popularity of track days is exploding. There are HUGE differences in ability levels, attitudes, and knowledge among the students. At the same time, cars are getting faster and faster...consquently demanding more and more skill from the driver.

When the BMW CCA started driving schools in the 1960's, people were driving 100hp 2002tii's on skinny 185mm tires mounted to tiny 13" wheels. And they would go for several seasons of 1-to-1 instruction before anyone would ever dream of signing them off to solo. Nowadays, people are showing up with 300+hp Corvettes, STi's, Evo's, etc. and are getting signed off after 1 or 2 schools. There is a SERIOUS problem here!

If event organizers don't do something about it soon, this sport we love so much will disappear.

Emre

Kayaalp

iTrader: (1)

BTW, I should mention that the above post refers specifically to the Watkins Glen tradgedy. From what I understand, the driver of the Radical that was killed at LRP during the EMRA time trials was a very experienced track junkie. So, obviously, what I wrote above does not apply to that case.

Emre