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Re: Spin Control and Laying Blame

To: Jay Mitchell <jemitchell@compuserve.com>
Subject: Re: Spin Control and Laying Blame
From: Mike Bultemeier <hottvr@tfs.net>
Date: Tue, 30 Mar 1999 10:29:14 -0600
I'm going to say one more thing and then you guys beat this dead horse
all you want.
If you think a course looks "Spooky" you can choose not to run it.  Its
your choice
to get in the car or not. I'm not saying that there is no responsibilty
on the designers part. But YOU have the final choice to run or not. We
have a lot here in KC that
I will not run on ever again. Some of us have tried to make suggestions
to the
"Powers that be" but nobody listens. They still keep doing the same
thing and
cars keep going airborne and breaking. What do you do, I take
responsiblity
for myself!!!!!!

Enough said
Mike B. TLS#1

Jay Mitchell wrote:

> I'm gonna jump in here, because there are some major
> misconceptions being put forth.
>
> Solo II has a definition. Read the rules, it's in there. One
> defining sentence reads (approximately - this is from memory)
> "hazards do not exceed those encountered in normal, legal driving
> on public roads." That sentence is there for a number of very
> good reasons. And, like it or not, that sentence, combined with
> the speed guidelines, places real restrictions on what is
> acceptable in a Solo II course. There's not a terribly fine line,
> but there are limits, nonetheless.
>
> The "tough, you did it to yourself" attitude is NOT consistent
> with a mature, non-hormonal concern for the health of Solo II.
> While it is true that, when an incident occurs, the driver always
> plays a major role, there is an implication in the brash
> statements being made by some in this forum that course designers
> and event organizers bear no responsibility for laying out a safe
> course and putting on a safe event. Nothing could be further from
> the truth. I can only hope that, for the benefit of one of my
> favorite leisure pastimes, none of you guys are directly involved
> in putting on events. If you are, please give us all fair warning
> so we can steer clear.
>
> Getting a rush from competition isn't intrinsically connected to
> high speed or major personal risk. Go to any Malibu Grand Prix
> and stay at it long enough to work your way down to a respectable
> time. Then remind yourself that you never got above 30mph or so.
> If you aren't physically tired and maybe even shaking after a
> good run, I claim you haven't done your best. And, if you didn't
> have fun, then I'd also point out that autox is unlikely to hold
> any lasting appeal for you.
>
> If personal risk is required for you to get the desired rush, may
> I suggest one of the following: skydiving, hang gliding, mountain
> climbing, bungee jumping, or BASE jumping. Or intravenous
> narcotics. Now, THERE's a rush, along with a major element of
> personal risk that should be enough to satisfy just about anyone.
>
> If you are a road racer wannabe, I encourage you to make the step
> "up" as soon as possible, so you can have all the fun you want
> and we can continue with our sport relatively undamaged. There
> are all sorts of racing activities in which you can go as fast as
> your skill and budget allow.
>
> Finally, if your personal gender identity is in some way
> connected with your vehicle or your competitive activities,
> please recognize that your point of view is not necessarily
> shared by everyone who participates in Solo II. It's fun for lots
> of us even when there's no pucker involved.
>
> Jay


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