Points to Consider

[Kputz]

Some of you may be familiar with my position on "open" events as regards personal safety. My past comments have been harsh in some instances and not much has changed my position.

I think we all know what an "open event" is and many tracks have what they term "test and tune" days, or times of the day, when tracks are open to a "run what you brung" period where tires can be scrubbed, seat time logged, suspensions tuned, etc. SCCA will often schedule such an even on the Friday prior to a race weekend to allow such tweaking and provide a driver unfamiliar with a track some experience before he tries to go really fast. I've been to some (never an SCCA sanctioned T&T) where the atmosphere resembled the traditional "open event" and the results can be interesting, to say the least.

My latest copy of "Backfire", the WRM Region SCCA newsletter, came yesterday with an article I'd like to share with you that might address this subject better than I can, and provide some insight to those unfamiliar with "Open" events and who may be tempted to enter one. Anyway, spring is here, I have a (SCCA sanctioned) T&T on my schedule, and it's a topical subject. Just replace the term "test day" with "open event" and read on, remembering that this is addressed to seasoned racers.

BACKFIRE
March 2004

A Test & Tune day at a race track is suposed to be just that, a time for testing the car and setting the suspension-NOT an all out full blown competition. There is NO excuse for crashing a car or causing ANY kind of damage to another car during a test day. However, sometimes things go wrong and those are the times when you really need help, and need it now!

Most tracks offer a test and tune day (sometimes more than one day) prior to a scheduled race event. Others may offer times during the week, but whenever you decide to test you should keep in mind first and foremost your safety. In addition to your usual safety gear (helmet, suit, shoes, gloves, inderwear, HANS Device, etc.) you need to make sure there is sufficient safety personel and evergency equipment present at the track.

If the test day is SCCA sanctioned the track will be staffed by licensed SCCA workers and equipped in the same manner as a race (with the exception of Timing & Socring). If the day is NOT SCCA sanctioned, YOU need to evaluate what safety precautions the track has in place, keeping in mind "when you need help, you need it NOW!)

* Does the track have sufficient security to prevent someone from entering the racetrack-or even worse- the racing surface by accident? Seems basic but a person unwittingly crossing a "hot" race track would be a major surprise.
*Does the track provide corner workers or at the very least corner observers? The ENTIRE track needs to be covered visually AND with FULL radio communication back to a central point.
*Does the rack have fire fighting equipment and personnel? This is not just a guy in a T-shirt with a fire bottle, but a truck equipped with multiple extinguishers and people with fire suits.
*Does the track have an ALS ambulance ON SITE? The statement "we can call them, they are located just a few blocks away and can get here in less than 3 minutes" doesn't cut it. The ALS needs to be ON SITE and dedicated to the track. It also needs to be an Advanced Life Support unit (ALS) which means it has at least two paramedics AND all the equipment and drugs on board to handle most EVERY life threatening event. If the track does not have an emergency medical facility staffed by an ER doctor ON SITE, the ALS needs to be licensed to transport patients.

Many drivers never think about what is involved in staffing a test day, and why an SCCA sanctioned test day is important to them personally. Please remember, just because the day is not sanctioned does not mean the track doesn't necessarily have safety precautions in place. But is is ALWAYS up to YOU to verify those precautions.
Kent Williamson-SCCA diretor/Steward

What Kent didn't mention, but is equally important, is someone in charge of the event, separate from a track official (after all, they are mainly concerned with your cash), that is qualified to assess the suitability of cars and safety equipment and has the authority AND the willingness, to send home the occasional hot shoe who is intent on driving over his head.

It's a free country, you pays your dough and you takes your chances, but it's unconscionable to be less than smart when engaging in dangerous play without thinking of the consequences. Take a moment and print this and run it under the nose of your "significant other" and your kiddies before you leave for the fun day.

[RACER X #99]

Kputz,
All good points. I think when one chooses a group to run with they should take into consideration the cost of Open tracking as a gauge as to how well staffed a track might be when you are running.
I know when Watkins Glen is rented it costs about $5,000 a day including Ins. For that you get full time experienced corner workers/flaggers, on site ambulance, and towing and recovery service. This costs about $175-$230 a day depending on the club renting.

When someone advertises open track for $75- $100 a day I doubt you are getting full coverage.

I have run at open track where you have to contribute some time to corner work and I am not comfortable with inexperienced "volunteers".

While SCCA is a well run organization, it is not the only well run organization.

Before you sign up for open track ask others who have run there before.

Cranky

[John McMahon]

Kputz,

In addition to checking the venue, sactioning org, additional points to consider are:

- condition of the track ( is it green?)
- weather (see above)
- size of run groups
- run group guidelines (review issues at driver meeting...i.e. specifics regarding point bys for diff. conditions, arm restraints, etc)

- condition of car, full inspection before each event (bleed brakes, tires, safety wires, torque wheels, etc)

and most important....

- your personal condition (allergies? colds? sleeplessness? hangover (joke)

All these should come into play before you even get behind the wheel.

At the end of the first driving day, Lauren Fix (Driving Ambitions) used to tell all drivers, "You've drven the track all day today. You know what you did right and what you did wrong. Before going to sleep tonight, lie in bed and imagine driving two perfect laps, hitting all your marks, braking correctly, etc. Then go out tomorrow and drive those laps".

...another important point....

- leave the ego at home. This can be dangerous stuff, if you drive beyond your means, you WILL get in trouble. Use your head and don't worry about being passed by a "lesser car".

[coyled]

All good points. The Arizona cobra club (15 cobra's) was at an open track event in Phoenix a few weeks ago. I was glad to see all of the guys out on the track instead of the street. Open tracking has risks but the risks are far less than the street. Better to learn at the track rather than the street. In owning a cobra, we all go fast from time to time but the track is safer. Scott