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>Re: Summit Point/vintage racing fatalities
>
I have experienced, firsthand, the death at a vintage roadrace several
>years ago of a fellow brethren racer and friend. It was painful and it was
>very sobering. We mourn for the individual life and friendship that is
>forever lost to us; We mourn for families left behind. We feel such
intensity from this type of loss, and such sadness, because we cherish
>the racing (and the friendships) so much. These tragedies should remind us
>what a tremendous responsibility we shoulder, to ourselves, and to each
>other, each time we bring our racecars to the racegrid or to the starting
>line of any roadrace.
>
>I have raced in many venues, both vintage and others. Often I find there may
>be a great experience gap between drivers at certain events, coupled with the
>lax oversight to manage this situation by certain sanctioning bodies. With
>so many different clubs and racing events now, it is critical that at each
>event someone from the host club is responsible and accountable for who is
>allowed on the grid. I think this is a good practice; I have, as a new
>entrant in certain clubs, been "watched" until a comfort level was reached
>that I knew what I was doing and that I would be a respectable competitor.
>
>Even within a club's "familiar" crowd, if someone is overdriving their
>ability, it should be put to a stop immediately. No exceptions! And, if car
>shows up improperly prepared, it should not be allowed to race. No
>exceptions! It is the driver's responsibility to have a well prepared car,
>to keep their racing credentials current, and to race by the rules---both the
>written rules of the sanctioning group, and the "gentleman racers" rules. It
>is the club's responsibility to enforce a safe environment for all. This
>should include rethinking the mixes of cars in certain race classes. And,
>above all else, every driver and race sponsor should give respect and thanks
>to the men and women volunteer workers who keep us all safe!
>
>When I attended the VSCCA event at Lime Rock for the first time, Charlie
>Gibson required submission of all racing credentials beforehand (even though
>I hold many national and international racing licenses). To encourage a
>newcomer's familiarity with the circuit, VSCCA hosted a class, taught by an
>experienced local driver, on how to optimally drive the track. Charlie and
>other "seasoned" racers directly observed all driving (with related lap
>times) during practice. It was only after I had proven myself (proper
>credentials, track familiarity, and demonstrated performance) that I was
>"cleared" to race. This makes sense; in my group there were 36 formula cars.
> From the first to the 36th, the lap time spread was only 12 seconds. On a
>1.5 mile track, considering we spent most of the race "bunched" together with
>alot of dicing, you would want to be absolutely SURE that the racers could
>handle the conditions. But, what incredible racing for all drivers from the
>first to the last car! I learned a tremendous amount in just one weekend,
>significantly improved my capability, and had a terrific time. You could
>tell that all of the drivers were aware; even with the few spins that
>occurred, all knew how to manage the situation effectively and appropriately.
>
>If you cannot trust that the person next to you knows what they are doing,
>none of us should be racing.
>
>For beginner race drivers, novice stripes should be worn for more than just a
>first race. Similarly, each novice should be given the opportunity to be
>paired up with a very experienced driver who has oversight and coaching
>responsibility for a period of at least a year. Drivers should be
>consistently educated---that's where it all begins.
>At certain CVAR events here in Texas, we offer separate races for licensed
>novices to allow people the opportunity to practice and gain seat time with a
>group of equal experience. We send a teacher out to assist and support the
>race.
>
>I have noticed,lately, racers who do not look in their mirrors, are not
>mindful of the flags, do not understand the meaning of the word "respect", or
>cannot understand that the line is "owned" by no one. In a race (vintage or
>otherwise) there are many judgment calls to be made. Clearly, the more
>experienced drivers need to be mindful of passing the less experienced; and
>all should realize they are racing, not Sunday driving. Competition is still
>competition. The rules serve a purpose. But, the best vintage racing is
>always about having good fun and enjoying the experience!
>
>My first racing teacher (a many time IMSA champion) once said that optimal
>racing occurs in a 6" space---the distance between your ears! Let's employ
>our brains and hearts, and remember that both precious lives and valuable
>cars are at stake. This should guide our judgment both on and off the track.
>
>Thanks for the opportunity to speak out.
>Elizabeth
>
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