Having the most first hand experience in the topic of this discussion, I felt compelled to give my thoughts.
First, Bill Howell runs many events and this event was run safely. When the incident happened, I had the course workers and MANY other participants at my side instantly. As I stated in my 'Thank You' this Pro-Touring community is extremely supportive. I appreciate everyone who helped. These things will happen when we push our cars to the limit. I am a competitive person, and was willing to push my car to its boundaries and obviously beyond the car's limits and driver's skill. That will happen sometimes, but I was willing to take that risk.
Secondly, the course was ABSOLUTELY safe. We ran the course all day Friday and most of the day Saturday until my incident on Saturday late in the day during the shootout. I won't speak for everyone, but I know I have an ego that made me 'step it up' in the shootout so I could improve my times. I have no issue at all with the course layout or design. It was simply an accident.
Lastly, the car performed just as designed. The DSE subframe absorbed the impact as intended. No, it wasn't pretty. However, a vehicle should be designed to dissipate energy so it doesn't transmit all of the impact to the driver. I just have a sore neck and a bruised ego. I think the ego will be harder to overcome than my neck.
Lastly, Bill simply requested that no video or pictures be posted until we (DSE) posted it on our site. My 'Thank You' was honest and true. I do appreciate everyone's kind words, emails, and cards. Thanks, again, for everyone's support. As you can see on our site, the car is already apart and getting improvements!!!
Please don't let this put a damper on any of our events. It was simply driver error on my part.
Stacy
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