What happened to the 69 DSE Car?

[wmhjr]

The course was safe. Period.

Some of the comments here from people who were not even there remind me of the phrase "cut off your nose to spite your face".

This is one of those things I just plain don't get. Crap happens. We all know that virtually EVERY form of motorsports is under increasing pressure from legal, liability, etc, and yet it sure seems as though simply in order to voice an opinion, some folks risk eliminating events that sure seemed safe to me.

Here's an idea. If you were there, and you have issues, call Bill. If you weren't there, IMHO you have no idea what safety measures were in place, you can't reasonably know how the course was. If you could, we wouldn't need to walk race courses or take practice laps prior to competition runs. We'd just watch videos and be done with it. If somebody thinks Bill is making tons of money on these events to go on elaborate European vacations think again. Or here's another idea. Give Bill a break, and put together your own event. Perspective is a wonderful thing.

[ParkerRS]

This event has auto crossed at the same location for 5 years including this one. I couldn't make this years event, but have attended and auto crossed in this parking lot for the past four. I've also attended several other events which were either put on by Mr. Howell or that he was a major force in organizing.

I have never been to one of Mr. Howell's events where safety wasn't taken seriously. I've always felt that good safety checks and rules were in place to ensure both the enjoyment of participents and spectators as well as their safety.

At the inaugural motorstate challenge, RTMC, and RTTH I felt as though things were ran smoothly and competently. I applaud Bill for creating the most enjoyable form of car and enthusiast gathering available at this point in time.

No one is forced to drive beyond their limits or levels of comfort and competency. If a new attendee is pushing too hard they are usually asked to either rain it in a little or sit out the rest of the segment. This is not only done by Bill but also other attendees in a nice fashion. This way one persons over exuberance will not ruin a good thing for us all.

If you haven't met or don't know MR. Howell Then you should keep the judgemental comments to yourself. This gentleman of his own innitative, takes his personal time and effort to organize put on and oversee these events at a break even, no-profit margin for all of our enjoyment. He is straight forward, honest and personable to all who attend. I for one am glad to consider him a friend to both myself and the hobby.

Comments such as the above ones are the reason for him needing to question others and make changes. Uneducated and unrestrained comments will end this type of event quicker than anything else due to liability and insurance costs. Then we will be left sitting in a parking lot rubbing and shining on static vehicles once again, or putting our nice street cars in wheel to wheel race competition. I for one prefer what we have.

[DSE-Stacy]

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

[Blake Foster]

Originally Posted by clill

ohh Bill... We need a event up at Thunderhill in Northern Ca. I think we discussed it earlier. Or even at infineon but Thunderhill is safer for beginners and cheaper.

Most Excellent IDEA!! Great Track, been on it and loved it.



Welcome to Lateral G Stacy

[Bow Tie 67]

Just an observation, I for one have watched in car video of Road America and thought Holy $%$T but when on track felt safe at speed. Mind you there are 5 foot concrete walls just off track at 100 mph. I have also found myself watching my videos and saying " Hmmm I did not even notice that armco when on track " .

I was at the event and have attended several years now. Safety is always #1.

Perspective from video can be very misleading.

Welcome Stacy, and I cant help but for admitting your part of this club of egomaniacs!!

[clill]

Thunderhill also has almost no walls, just fields to drive off into.

http://www.thunderhill.com/

[Bill Howell]

I have left a message at thunderhill and am at the moment checking on things.
How many of you would be up for a day of fun there? Need about 50 people @ $250 to make it happen.

[73CPCAMARO]

Originally Posted by Bill Howell

I have left a message at thunderhill and am at the moment checking on things.
How many of you would be up for a day of fun there? Need about 50 people @ $250 to make it happen.

Bill,

You can count on me being there. Great facility for us to play.

Brian

[Flash68]

Originally Posted by Bill Howell

I have left a message at thunderhill and am at the moment checking on things.
How many of you would be up for a day of fun there? Need about 50 people @ $250 to make it happen.

Bill, I am absolutely in.

[clill]

I'm in and I can probably convince Stielow to show up...Now if the crowd coming can convince Greg Weld to buy my Mustang for the event we will all be happy.