A new direction for me in 2014

[Bad94]

Bill I fully understand what you are saying.

For people looking for a "class/school" take a look at www.1010thsmotorsports.com

[Matt@BOS]

We talk a lot about putting in cone chicanes and taking steps to keep speeds down in an attempt to keep things safer, as I think we should, but the one thing I'm more curious about is how well labelled the tracks are in regard to braking zones. None of the events I've attended have had any cones laid out for braking distances, which is something you tend to find at most other track events and every driving school I've ever attended. In my opinion every one of the pro touring events should have clear braking distance indicators because the majority of drivers have never driven the track and won't be able to memorize each corner after 5 parade laps. There are points and bragging rights associated with setting a fast time. Everyone wants to get the most out of their car that they feel they're capable of. I've never seen anyone drive without making a mistake at some point during the weekend, and that goes back to why safety has been a big concern, but I say there is more to track safety than just safety equipment and we should work creating the safest overall environment that provides the largest margin for error so that drivers hopefully never even come close to having to rely on their safety equipment.

[LS7 Z/28]

Originally Posted by Matt.A

We talk a lot about putting in cone chicanes and taking steps to keep speeds down in an attempt to keep thigs safer, as I think we should, but the one thing I'm more curious about is how well labelled the tracks are in regard to braking zones. None of the events I've attended have had any cones laid out for braking distances, which is something you tend to find at most other track events and every driving school I've ever attended. In my opinion every one of the pro touring events should have clear braking distance indicators because the majority of drivers have never driven the track and won't be able to memorize each corner after 5 parade laps. There are points and bragging rights associated with setting a fast time. Everyone wants to get the most out of their car that they feel they're capable of. I've never seen anyone drive without making a mistake at some point during the weekend, and that goes back to why safety has been a big concern, but I say there is more to track safety than just safety equipment and we should work creating the safest overall environment that provides the largest margin for error so that drivers hopefully never even come close to having to rely on their safety equipment.

Great post Matt, I think the braking zone labeling idea is something that should have been done a long time ago at most of these big time events. I don't have much road course experience and I would certainly feel a lot better about it if each turn was labeled. Memorizing the track is something I have a hard enough time doing in a simulator, let alone on a real course at speed.

On the other hand, Bill I think you have made a great point about the dangers of the big courses and your series is wise to be ahead of the curve. This new USCA is honestly going to be pushing it's luck allowing regular guys to show up with no rollcage, regular factory belts, stock seats and just say have at it.. It just makes no sense.

Will they be running the full Lemans course at Daytona? Anybody know, because that is going to be quite wicked heading into the Tri-Oval.

[DaleTx]

Bill… I think it’s great that you and Ron have raised the issue of safety for pro-touring cars running on road courses. I started out driving my pro-touring car on road courses by joining a local sports car club, and then entering HPDE (high performance driver education) events. The car club that I joined requires that first time drivers complete 2 hours of classroom training before being allowed to drive on the road course… then they are limited to 85 MPH on the track.

Also... they are required to have a certified instructor ride along for the first couple of events. When a driver has gained experience, and prove they can drive safely on the track, then they are issued a certificate of completion for driver education and allowed to “Solo” on the road course. I have been running with this club for several years and have never seen anyone get hurt or have a bad accident. I would recommend for those interested to get on the track, to seek out a local sports car club and run some HPDE events to get the basics.

Most of the guys that are regulars at the HPDE events typically have installed 4 point roll bars, and 5 point seat belts at a minimum, and wear extra protective gear. I plan to make more safety improvements on my car before next season from what I have learned here recently. Thanks again for raising the safety awareness level.

How to put on a safe event is a tough issue for sure. It seems like there might need to be different classes based on car set up, safety features, and driver experience. It's a great sport and I hope to see it continue to grow. I look forward to seeing what you come up with for rules.

[71RS/SS396]

Originally Posted by Matt.A

We talk a lot about putting in cone chicanes and taking steps to keep speeds down in an attempt to keep things safer, as I think we should, but the one thing I'm more curious about is how well labelled the tracks are in regard to braking zones. None of the events I've attended have had any cones laid out for braking distances, which is something you tend to find at most other track events and every driving school I've ever attended. In my opinion every one of the pro touring events should have clear braking distance indicators because the majority of drivers have never driven the track and won't be able to memorize each corner after 5 parade laps. There are points and bragging rights associated with setting a fast time. Everyone wants to get the most out of their car that they feel they're capable of. I've never seen anyone drive without making a mistake at some point during the weekend, and that goes back to why safety has been a big concern, but I say there is more to track safety than just safety equipment and we should work creating the safest overall environment that provides the largest margin for error so that drivers hopefully never even come close to having to rely on their safety equipment.

Matt, I think RTTC is at unique location and that's why there's no brake markers (not that there shouldn't be). I've been to every other ASCS event and it's been at a real road course except RTTH which has no road course part of the event so there's been brake markers.

[Matt@BOS]

Originally Posted by 71RS/SS396

Matt, I think RTTC is at unique location and that's why there's no brake markers (not that there shouldn't be). I've been to every other ASCS event and it's been at a real road course except RTTH which has no road course part of the event so there's been brake markers.

I figured some of them had to, but I wasn't sure. RTTC didn't, which surprised me a little, but I figured it was a bit of an anomaly since it was set up on an old air field. What surprised me though was that all of the cones around the 2.3 mile track at Spring Mountain were removed when we ran Optima. If you were to go there on any given day they would have all of the "helper" reference points set up unless they were running part of their level three advanced class. I certainly hope that won't be the norm at the USCA events but I had to start wondering.