Something positive KB can do

[FROSTY]

Folks I had an idea that I thought I'd share with you lot.
Taupo track is on the whole bloody fantastic.
There is ONE corner thats potentially pretty darn dangerous
The corner leading onto the start finish straight has a combination of slippery paint (its going to be blasted and replaced with non slip paint ) and a solid wall on the edge of the exit. .
Its nowhere near as dangerous as pukie but there is potential for some nasty damage to bike and rider.
INSTEAD OF WHINGING ABOUT IT LETS BE PROACTIVE.
I have access to the same sort of nylon sacks as they use at pukie and paeroa as bales to reduce injury.
The sacks are empty.
The normal filling is empty plastic milk bottles and empty 2.0l or 1.5l soft drink bottles.
Im thinking us KBers could fill em up with ourr empty plastic milk bottles and soft drink bottles --Ill get em stitched up.
We could donate them to Taupo track for use for any motorbike events held there.
In other words Us KBers could save lives or at the least reduce the damage done
I thought we 'd have 3 or 4 bale filling points
one here in dorkland at my place
one in wellytown--(JIM2 has offfered his place as a drop off point)
maybee hamilton
and Tauranga
To cover that corner will need about 8 bales

SO FOLKS --EMPTY RINSED OUT UNCRUSHED BOTTLES --WADDA YA ALL SAY??

[Disco Dan]

Great idea!

*bags not, taking one on my bike down there* :innocent:

[Zukin]

Fantastic Idea :yes:

Happy to donate empty milk bottles.
Is anyone here work at Longburn Milk Factory? (P North)
Maybe you could get the seconds??

Sorry to hijack your thread, but
I see that last event you were looking for Track Marshalls?
I am a Senior member in a Crash Rescue team and can maybe help you out if you ever need it?
We cover events at Taupo and Manfield all the time, from Minis to the A1GP
We have our own Paramedics so you dont need St Johns, and we are all trained First Aiders and fire and crash rescue.

Let me know if you ever need us, that way everyone else can enjoy the day and not worry about standing on the track, they can actually spectate :yes:

[FROSTY]

ok well its gonna take a lot of bottles

[LilSel]

Recycling day + back of wagon= lots of bottles :)
Happy to help

[Karma]

Out of interest... which corner?

Also, bottles could be saved, but logistically would need to have a few before bothering to pool them all together, so maybe save up all your bottles and dump them all in one place once a month?

[Disco Dan]

ok, cardboard box next to recycle bin in garage...

hey will even wash them out :innocent: or will be very 'stinky' crash pads!

[Zukin]

Just interested to know who your "Paramedics" are.. as in who do they work for, what is their qualification etc. Also what training /qualifications do you have as Crash Rescue.

You know who I am, we have spoken on Targa:yes:
RSQKRU
:yes:

[rwh]

I have access to the same sort of bales as they use at pukie.
They are empty. Im thinking us KBers could fill em up with their empty plastic milk bottles --Ill get em stitched up.
We could donate them to Taupo track for use for any motorbike events held there

I know you've got plenty of experience of racetracks Frosty, so I'm sure you know what you're talking about, but I'd just like to ask - are milk bottles an accepted filling for a bale to slow down bikes? Is that what's used at Pukekohe, or elsewhere? I'm a bit nervous about the idea of using something that just seems right by intuition, rather than having been appropriately tested and/or analysed.

Richard

[FROSTY]

Out of interest... which corner?
Its the last corner before the start finish straight--solid wall on the exit
Its pretty low speed compared to pukie but would still be a nasty place to get tangled up in

[FROSTY]

I know you've got plenty of experience of racetracks Frosty, so I'm sure you know what you're talking about, but I'd just like to ask - are milk bottles an accepted filling for a bale to slow down bikes? Is that what's used at Pukekohe, or elsewhere? I'm a bit nervous about the idea of using something that just seems right by intuition, rather than having been appropriately tested and/or analysed.

Richard
yea mate --empty milk bottles--they collapse and absorb impact
sure they arent the best solution --the perfect solution is to move the wall
second best is air fence -but even a cool bunch like KB couldnt raise the 20000 odd bucks for an air fence.
So if you folks want we can do something to make the track a bit safer

[ajturbo]

Its the last corner before the start finish straight--solid wall on the exit
Its pretty low speed compared to pukie but would still be a nasty place to get tangled up in

yer i know the corner.... scares me shitless at the speeds i go on the bucket..

[Karma]

Its the last corner before the start finish straight--solid wall on the exit
Its pretty low speed compared to pukie but would still be a nasty place to get tangled up in


yer i know the corner.... scares me shitless at the speeds i go on the bucket..

I've never personally found that to be a problem, you mean the corner with the pit exit? Then again I doubt I'm getting close to the speeds that others are taking through that corner.

I'll start putting the bottles aside, and we can sort out something in the new year to get them all together.

[Finn]

empty milk bottles

I didn't think you could get these anymore but wouldn't all that glass be dangerous? But I guess the thought of hitting a bale full of glass bottles would be enough to slow me down around that corner so good thinking Frosty!!!

[SwanTiger]

Would it be illegal to go along with a vehicle and trailor early on a collection day and empty all the recycling bins of their plastic milk bottles, does anyone know?

[rwh]

Would it be illegal to go along with a vehicle and trailor early on a collection day and empty all the recycling bins of their plastic milk bottles, does anyone know?

I don't know if it's illegal, but I think I'd take offence if I saw someone scavenging through my rubbish, even if it was just the recycling.

Richard

[Finn]

Would it be illegal to go along with a vehicle and trailor early on a collection day and empty all the recycling bins of their plastic milk bottles, does anyone know?

Dunno. Would it be illegal to use you as a bail for that corner? You'd make a good one. :love:

[rwh]

yea mate --empty milk bottles--they collapse and absorb impact

OK, cool.

Now it's just a pity that I think the milk tastes better from cartons ... I think due to the darkness.

Actually I've now (skim) read the MNZ guidelines where these bales are discussed; they mention that the milk bottles are ideal, but that any plastic bottles will do. Is it useful to collect OJ and softdrink bottles too? And is this useful in Wellington anyway? Shipping them to Auckland to be sewn into bales might be a bit more than it's worth.

Or would this be useful for Manfeild and elsewhere too?

Richard

[FROSTY]

yep soft drink bottles shampoo bottles. any kind of botles as long as theyre plastic and softish --nope glass really isnt on

[riffer]

Good idea Frosty. The way our mob gets through milk we'll be making an ok contribution. :yes:

[Cleve]

I've never personally found that to be a problem, you mean the corner with the pit exit? Then again I doubt I'm getting close to the speeds that others are taking through that corner.

It has the potential to be very nasty if you high side coming out of there. On my R6 I am (I think...) high revs in 2nd gear coming out and getting pretty close to the wall as I exit.

[Shaun]

And the Paint on the ground is of a slippery nature as well, try going over it some time at pace, that corner should never have been approved

[Shade]

I reckon its a fantastic idea frosty!!

However, maybe limit the types of bottles? Danno if shampoo bottles would be the go?

Im thinking 1.5 and 2.25 Coke bottles, 1l and 2l milk bottles?

Maybe im thinking of a different type of shampoo bottle, but in my mind, im comparing it to say, a 600ml coke bottle. Quite hard and sharp?

Chur

[Shaun]

FROSTY FROSTY FROSTY

Contact the AMCC, they used this set up for Paeroa, they will fill you in on what and how they did it, I tested them for real! and they do help

[SPman]

--nope glass really isnt on
Ohhh....I don't know......I think Finn might be on to something there...........:whistle:

[Toast]

Awesome idea Frosty.

I feel like a knob asking this, but: Must the bottles still be in original shape? It seems to me that the bag of bottles wouldn't be dense enough if that is the case? Or will they be crushed before putting them in to the bag anyway?

[The_Dover]

fuck me frosty, we must have a couple of dozen myzone bottles a week going in our bin.

if they are usable then I'll start saving them.

[Squeak the Rat]

I'm assuming you need unsquashed bottles. But do they need to be washed? If not I may be able to contribute a few, but won't be able to stockpile too long.....

[James Deuce]

Don't squash them. They need to be in a collapsible state not a collapsed one.

Please rinse them out. Old milk/fruit juice is stinky.

[Scouse]

Old milk/fruit juice is stinky.So are your old underpants

[FROSTY]

Ok guys n gals im gonna edit the origonal post .
Ive um been both a bag filler for AMCC and er a bag stuffer upperer like shaun

[SuperDave]

Good idea man. I'll start saving them from now on.

[slowpoke]

Not to be a wet blanket but isn't this just treating the symptom rather than the cause?
Are the people developing the facility aware of the problem?
I mean surely if an A1GP car belts the wall there, at the cornering speeds they are capable of, then a substantial area of the pits is gonna be showered with debris. I haven't been there for a while but it would seem logical to promote and effect changes now before too much infrastructure complicates the situation.
Yeah I know, the bales are a good improvement in the meantime, so good luck with the collection.

[R6_kid]

i believe the first post states that the problem will be remedied in due course...

I remember my rear end getting loose on that corner once or twice on the paint and im not *that* fast.

Would polystyrene/expanded plastic foam be suitable too? I've got a fair bit of that stuff lying around.

[Forest]

Would it be illegal to go along with a vehicle and trailor early on a collection day and empty all the recycling bins of their plastic milk bottles, does anyone know?

Not illegal - once you put something out for rubbish collection it is considered to be abandoned.

Incidentally, this is one of the techniques private investigators & identity thieves use to gather personal information. So be careful what you put in the bin.

[SwanTiger]

Not illegal - once you put something out for rubbish collection it is considered to be abandoned.

Incidentally, this is one of the techniques private investigators & identity thieves use to gather personal information. So be careful what you put in the bin.
Excellent.

Is there anyone else in Auckland interested in going around early one morning or late one evening (as most people put their recycling bins out the night before) and collecting suitable plastic bottles from road side recycling bins?

I have a suitable towing vehicle and can hire a caged trailor.

1 or 2 trips should get 3 or 4 bails 'eh?

Or is there a smarter way, such as going directly to a recycling center?

[James Deuce]

So are your old underpants

I wondered where they'd been going.

[JT.]

Excellent.

Is there anyone else in Auckland interested in going around early one morning or late one evening (as most people put their recycling bins out the night before) and collecting suitable plastic bottles from road side recycling bins?

Don't most people squash the bottles before they put them out for recycling?

[SwanTiger]

Don't most people squash the bottles before they put them out for recycling?

Scoped out a few of the neighbour hood recycling bins, a lot of people don't, remember this is Auckland, people might break a nail or something doing such a messy thing as squashing a milk bottle.

[slowpoke]

i believe the first post states that the problem will be remedied in due course...

I remember my rear end getting loose on that corner once or twice on the paint and im not *that* fast.



The main problem isn't the paint that may cause a slide or highside....it's the crunch against the wall...and it doesn't sound like there are any plans redress this.

If they get rid of the paint then people are going to be carving the corner even faster and hitting the wall that much harder.

[ArcherWC]

Excellent.

Is there anyone else in Auckland interested in going around early one morning or late one evening (as most people put their recycling bins out the night before) and collecting suitable plastic bottles from road side recycling bins?

I have a suitable towing vehicle and can hire a caged trailor.

1 or 2 trips should get 3 or 4 bails 'eh?

Or is there a smarter way, such as going directly to a recycling center?

I dont mind helping out with this as well swanny

[Shaun]

The main problem isn't the paint that may cause a slide or highside....it's the crunch against the wall...and it doesn't sound like there are any plans redress this.

If they get rid of the paint then people are going to be carving the corner even faster and hitting the wall that much harder.



Possibly but, Identify, Illiminate, and that will limit the possible accidents happening because of it

[FROSTY]

Thanks shaun
Ill put it another way
IM FUCKED IF IM VISITING ANOTHER MATE IN HOSPITAL OR THE FUNERAL HOME BECAUSE i DIDDNT DO EVERYTHING i COULD TO MAKE THEM SAFEISH

FIM aparently concider the track to be safe and have sighned off on it as it is
The track management and promotional staff are all car people and they genuinely believe the track to be safe.
I think MNZ perhaps need to visit the track--and that particular corner to establish the relative safety of it
Keep in mind folks -2 or 3 race meetings have been held there with no issues on that corner --sorta backs up their argument that its safe

[paturoa]

...The normal filling is empty plastic milk bottles and empty 2.0l or 1.5l soft drink bottles. ...

my hoard get thru a bunch and I've already started a collection.

[k14]

Just out of curiosity, having not been to taupo yet, how different is it to the final corner at ruapuna? That too has a fairly solid concrete wall within close proximity to the track. I haven't seen a highside there but could imagine the possibility of something happening there.

[crashe]

Swantiger - To help clear up something here for you.

Once the recycle or rubbish or organic is out on the road/kerbside it is considered to then belong to the council for that area.

Many people do squash up the bottles so that they can get more into the bins..... while others dont...... so most likely 50/50.

I squash mine up.



What you could do thou is ring up the Waitakere City Council or go out to the concourse rubbish tip and ask them if you could have all the unsmashed plastic milk bottles before they send in the big machines and run over them all and squash them all. Tis fun watching them do it and hear them pop pop pop popping. As most people leave the tops on them.

They have a few closed off areas full of the bottles waiting to be squashed.

If they give permission then take a cagetrailer out there and collect them.

I reckon you could get them for free as well.
As it is going to a good cause.

If no joy, then contact Mayor Bob Harvey and ask him....... he would give you the go ahead to collect the bottles.

[klingon]

Can I clarify one more thing... do the bottles have to have their lids put back on them? So....

- unmashed
- washed
- lidded?

[Shaun]

Just out of curiosity, having not been to taupo yet, how different is it to the final corner at ruapuna? That too has a fairly solid concrete wall within close proximity to the track. I haven't seen a highside there but could imagine the possibility of something happening there.



Taupo is a minny version of Ruapuna mate, ie, a lot tighter and less chance of getting away with it, as you are so close in the first place

[Shaun]

Actually fuck all this nice touchy fealy shit, some one get the Taupo track managers email, and we should all email the said person our feelings on it, if he/she does not like it fuck em, the money they will loose by riders not being there will hurt them a lot more than riders

[Donor]

We have our own Paramedics so you dont need St Johns, and we are all trained First Aiders and fire and crash rescue.

Ah... so you can transport P1 to medical facilities?

Hate to have a perfectly good paramedic there waiting for a perfectly good ambulance to arrive to transport, when St John can scoop and run...

[avgas]

how about some "SPEED KILLS" signs - i could grab some in the weekend ;) jokes.

Will start hording for ya - when you want them in by?

[Karma]

Tell ya what would work... a speed camera pointing at the corner... should do the trick, set it to 50kph or something...

Either that or a speed hump.

[k14]

Tell em it backs up fuck all but a bullshit truck.

Plenty of incident free meetings at Pukekohe too between the guy that was paralyzed at the 300km enduro and Motobob's crash two weeks ago.
Think its been a year or a bit more since there was a SERIOUS or LETHAL accident on the 'top o the hill' (before Motobobs). But its still a dangerous corner.
So 2 or 3 meetings without incident means as much as a blowie from a 2 dollar whore. (tell em that too, they prolly know her)
What about two smokers? I'd class that as serious. That makes it 3 serious injuries in the last 18 months or so. Lucky there wasn't any at nationals, i think the only crashes happened at them were either at castrol or the hairpin.

[FROSTY]

I guess their argument is that noone has been hurt so noone WILL be hurt
I odviously don't agree

[MadDuck]

Surely OSH would be VERY interested to hear these views from you guys who actually use the track and dont think its safe.

Enough complaints and they will have to react.....

[Toast]

Surely OSH would be VERY interested to hear these views from you guys who actually use the track and dont think its safe.

Enough complaints and they will have to react.....

At first I thought that OSH only covered workplace stuff (wish my job involved riding on the track), but...

The Department of Labour provides best practice information and guidance to assist New Zealand businesses with health and safety in the workplace. The Department of Labour also inspects workplaces to check on safety and health arrangements, investigates accidents at work, and makes sure employers and employees comply with health and safety legislation. We are responsible for regulating the storage and use of hazardous substances, explosives and dangerous goods, and for the safety of amusement devices.

...maybe the track would fall under an amusement device?

Anyway, the bottles are wicked idea for the time being.

[ManDownUnder]

Surely OSH would be VERY interested to hear these views from you guys who actually use the track and dont think its safe.

Enough complaints and they will have to react.....

Yeah... the committee would be formed, a report done, $500,000 spent on consultants would would recommend the track be closed down...

Sorry - feeling cynical today

[MadDuck]

I can understand you being cynical....just had a thought in my peabrain.

The bottle idea is great BUT we shouldnt have to be doing it.:done:

[Shaun]

What it really needs is the track management to read this thread and then will understand just how serious the riders about this issue.

Perhaps some one could go through the process of printing it off and putting it on a courier to them?

[MadDuck]

More than happy to if you think it will help....

[ManDownUnder]

What it really needs is the track management to read this thread and then will understand just how serious the riders about this issue.

Perhaps some one could go through the process of printing it off and putting it on a courier to them?

Done...

Title?
Name?
Address?

[Shaun]

Done...

Title?
Name?
Address?




How about we leave this final call up to Frosty, he is the one that started this thread, and he is the one that works at running these days, and I sure do not want to rock the boat for him, my suggestion was just that, a Suggestion, so what do you think Frosty?

[ManDownUnder]

How about we leave this final call up to Frosty, he is the one that started this thread, and he is the one that works at running these days, and I sure do not want to rock the boat for him, my suggestion was just that, a Suggestion, so what do you think Frosty?


Good call.

Frosty - I have a wad of paper right here ready to go. Happy to hold or send. Your call.

[slowpoke]

Good idea Shaun.
It doesn't have to be a combatitive or confrontational approach, just information or feedback from a motorsport discipline that they may not have much experience with.
They have been promoting themselves as a potential MotoGP venue (can't see it myself) but this area would clearly raise some eyebrows in that camp so they may take it onboard and factor in some corrective action.
I don't know if anything other than general murmurings have taken place but a formal expression of the problem is a good step.

[Shaun]

Glad you chaps agree, I am good at starting wars, but would prefer to have a discussion instead:rockon:

[MadDuck]

I agree and as I often only have access to a PC for 10min blocks at work I am not quite able to say what I mean in detail.

I think that Frostys idea is the right one in the short term and hell I will even go down to the recycling depot in the cover of night to get all the plastic bottles we need if it is going to prevent a serious injury or god forbid a death.

How about a seperate thread where you guys and gals can have your say to Track Management....something we can send on. It could be that you agree, disagree or really dont give a toss.

My concerns reading this thread is that if the racing guys are not happy then what happens when we have a track day and the inexperienced riders face the corner(s) in question.

[FROSTY]

I DO NOT -- want to turn this into a shit fight --keep in mind --er in kid talk
MY MUMMY BUILT THIS SANDPIT FOR ME --ILL SHARE IT WITH MY FREINDS
I sure as heck don't want mummy to tell me and KB we aint their freinds no more --iffn ya get my point

[Shaun]

See yoiur point DADDY But, what is the way forward with trying to make this turn safer for the less experienced riders.

I do not care for myself personally, I have crashed and been broken on quite a few accasions over the years, but, Younger less experienced riders do not crash as well as some one like myself who has done it shit loads and is a lot more relaxed ( Like a drunk in a car crash) so normally will not be hurt as much?

You know some thing must be done, I know you most definately do not want to see any one get hurt! and are sure you do not want the hassle of Insurance claims against your company due to any possible injuries at one of your track days, where you have indicated that you think the corner is potentually unsafe

[Cleve]

In my current mood, with my good friend and team mate with spinal damage in Auckland hosptial from his Puke crash, I am trying to get things done about track safety in NZ.
I have written to the Taupo track expressing my concerns about this corner.
If you want to know more, PM me and I will send you a copy of the email.

[FROSTY]

Cleve --Im keen to see the e mail

[Cleve]

Cleve --Im keen to see the e mail

Here's the letter that I will be posting on Monday.

Taupo Motorsport Park,
P.O. Box 1022,
Taupo.


8/12/06

To Whom It May Concern:
First of all as a motorcycle racer I have to say I love the new and extended Taupo circuit.
It is a great track and I look forward to racing there as often as I can.

However recently a number of racers that I know have been expressing concern about the left hand corner that comes onto the new front straight.

The general feeling is that it is potentially a dangerous corner for motorcyclists with the concrete wall being quite close to the exit of the corner. In particular should a rider high side on the way out.

Motorcycle racers are always concerned about sections of a track that are unnecessarily dangerous. In particular the topic is hot after the latest AMCC round at Pukekohe where once again another rider (my team mate as it happened) crashed badly on one of Pukekohe's more dangerous corners. He is now paralysed below the waist.

A Taupo track safety debate is currently underway on the Kiwibiker website. A forum that many racers from around the country use, including novice racers up to national champions. Amongst us we are looking to get plastic bottle crash bags made up and placed along that particular section of the corner every time there is a bike meeting using the newer section of the track.

However I also feel that as a motorcycle racer I should let you know, if you haven't been made aware already, that there is some concern about this particular corner amongst us.

If there is already an awareness of this issue and possible solutions being discussed then I look forward to hearing back from you about it.

Yours
Cleve Brown
F2/Supersports racer

[SwanTiger]

If no joy, then contact Mayor Bob Harvey and ask him....... he would give you the go ahead to collect the bottles.
Thanks for the info Crashe, I'll sort it out tomorrow and let everyone know what the outcome is.

Frosty, where do you propose all the bottles are stored or taken to once they have been collected?

[FROSTY]

Short term Im hoping an engineering type person can make up a support frame for the bags. Bottles in bags then stitch em up
any offers of collection points other than wellytown and dorkland

[RiderInBlack]

Short term Im hoping an engineering type person can make up a support frame for the bags. Bottles in bags then stitch em up
any offers of collection points other than wellytown and dorklandThink there is a frame for woolbags in the old shearing shed at home for holding the bags open while ya put the dags in. IS this what ya need for holding the wool bales open for the bottles?

[Jorja]

Suppost Frame isn't actually needed frosty.

The bags themselves are a heavy weight nylon weave. They have 4 handles at the top so a couple of hooks attached to a wall at the right height would hold them up.
As for staying open, you will find as they start to fill up, they will hold themselves open.

If anyone has a collection place in mind, I will courier them straight there when you are ready to start filling.

[sAsLEX]

Think there is a frame for woolbags in the old shearing shed at home for holding the bags open while ya put the dags in. IS this what ya need for holding the wool bales open for the bottles?

Would tend to avoid a frame as that suggests something solid to hit!

Great idea frosty

[FROSTY]

Would tend to avoid a frame as that suggests something solid to hit!

Great idea frosty
EEJUT--the frames just to hold em up whilst filling

[sAsLEX]

EEJUT--the frames just to hold em up whilst filling

theres these things called ARMS?!

KISS

[RiderInBlack]

EEJUT--the frames just to hold em up whilst fillingThanks Frosty. Knew ya meant the frame only holding the bags open while being filled. Ya want the frame? Will see if it is still in the shed this WE. No sheep here any more and is easy ta transport, so should be yours for the asking.

[SwanTiger]

I have been in touch with the Concourse Transfer Station, still waiting to hear back however it looks promising.

Now these will need to be tested and verified of their safety properties, I nominate myself as a test dummy however I do not have a suitable bike, so who is going to lend me their bike? :blip:

[madandy]

Great idea Tony:yes:

I've had similar concerns at cage track days myself.
Ian Bowater is the Taupo track manager, 'Grumpy' they call him. Paul Fallon is good to deal with, he's bookings and promotion manager or similar.

I'll have a chat down at the Tga recycling dept. and see if I can scrounge a few thousand milk bottle too. I can cart them to where ever on me ute.

Andy

[SwanTiger]

Heard back from the Council who run the recycling center. When the bottles are collected they then belong to the contractor, Onyx, whom I've contacted and waiting to hear back from now.

Frosty, how many bags are needed?

[Karma]

I'm building up a small supply here at the moment, but if Swanny is getting them in bulk then I'll just chuck mine out with the rubbish.

[SwanTiger]

I'm building up a small supply here at the moment, but if Swanny is getting them in bulk then I'll just chuck mine out with the rubbish.
To provide you with some perspective, one large caged trailor load (and perhaps a bit more) would equal one bail. So I imagine a lot of bottles are going to be required from any source.

I have spoken to both the Council and the manager of Onyx and had no luck, effectively it came down to what Onyx said and they aren't interested and suggested local operators in Taupo were approached.

I'll give the Rodney District Council a go.

[FROSTY]

Folks im REALLY keen to have this go ahead BUT
Ill be away in the south island basicly from christmas
I will be back on the 24th of jan

[Karma]

Any ideas on a dropoff for these? Maybe make it easier for Frosty and see if we can get them all together on one day?

[Kyle]

Its hard to see as i fly past, but im pretty sure they have 'softened' this danger spot up since the a1gp. Ive noticed the end of the wall has a thick tyre-wall barrier with a rubber front which tappers around, onto the wall front. So if you hit where the end of the wall was, you`ll get directed along the pit straight. from my experiance with highsides at that corners speed, id say most would end up in the kitty litter before the wall. You`d have to lose it once the bike was almost fully upright to hit the worst spot. (which would be far enough off the track to not be directed along the straight, and not far enough off to be slowed by kitty litter.)

The bales sound like a good idea, if the track officals agree that is. If not then collecting bottles is all abit premature.
One question however is do these bales need to be rebuilt once they are 'used' and the bottles get a squashing? And i didnt see any response to weither lids should left on or not.

Just seen the state of the Auckland harbour plastic bottle rubbish problem on the news. I should think that Auckland could supply enough bottles to bale the entire corner in a single hour. The clean up guys are pulling 100 or so litres of plastic rubbish per fifty meter coast, and its all back again the next week.

[Prof - R]

i just like know if anyone knows weather if any more bottles are needed

[Karma]

Yeh, my garage is starting to fill up a bit now... and chance of a dropoff point for these at all? Assuming you're still going ahead with it.

[JayRacer37]

Hey guys...if this can or is being purseued its a brilliant idea. Personally, that wall scares the bejeezus out of me, far worse than anything at puke, at least there you are running alongside the wall. This place is a head on. And, being a second gear crner, with a long exit, we are approaching the wall with lotsa speed, and fighting the bike right to the edge of the track...over the paint. If this was to be done, would you have some way of securing the bags to the wall or ground? Cause usefullness is somewhat reduced if bags are flicked out of the way by a bike....

awesome thoughts for being proactive on saftey. Definitly an area in sure most all races will support!!!! :rockon:

[Shaun]

Hey guys...if this can or is being purseued its a brilliant idea. Personally, that wall scares the bejeezus out of me, far worse than anything at puke, at least there you are running alongside the wall. This place is a head on. And, being a second gear crner, with a long exit, we are approaching the wall with lotsa speed, and fighting the bike right to the edge of the track...over the paint. If this was to be done, would you have some way of securing the bags to the wall or ground? Cause usefullness is somewhat reduced if bags are flicked out of the way by a bike....

awesome thoughts for being proactive on saftey. Definitly an area in sure most all races will support!!!! :rockon:



Frosty is gunna suck your what

[Brett]

Bloody good idea, I will save all of our bottles.

[Meekey_Mouse]

Hey Frosty, is this still going ahead?

If so I'll get my youth group to start saving bottles... they go through so much Coke I'm sure their teeth are gunna rot out before they are 22 :nono:

Also, I'm happy for my place to be a drop off point :yes:

[Prof - R]

hi does anyone know any more about this or should i stop collecting

[FROSTY]

Basicly in a nutshell the track owners have said NO to any bales being put up on that corner.
I don't know what to do -its fucking frustrating.
what frustrates me more is that despite many people showing serious concerns --and a bandage type solution being offered MNZ keep issueing race permits for the track--reinforcing their attitude.
Now WE are as guilty as anyone --WE keep riding there at the various track days held.
Now that said-despite my repeated run ins with AMCC club pres on a personal basis I support him wholeheartedly on this safety front. -we are in total agreement abouty that corner and that there are MORE bales needed at Pukekohe
AMCC are prepared to supply me/us with a pile of empty bales.
What is needed for filling is empty WASHED milk containers (plastic for you smart alecs) --
So Im thinking for now lets fill em up with what we've collected and get the ball rolling---its got to be good for the sport and for us.

[Karma]

I've got a shedload of bottles stashed, I've only one request, for the KB trackday we can rename it weasel's corner :D

[roadracingoldfart]

MNZ has a safety comittee im sure so if there is a concern about a certain part of a track in N.Z. and the track owners / operators wont / cant make a change to satisfy safety concerns then it is up to an MNZ affiliated club to lead the way to get a change or an agreed solution to the said corner.

Both the Vic Club and Pacific Club amongst others hold events at Taupo and as such must have the ability to approach the safety comittee at MNZ and ask them to arrange a poll from racers and club members or at least do an impartial inspection of the said corner in person.

MNZ are in no way to my reconning in a comprimising position here as they are the permit issuers but are not the event operators.
They (MNZ) can im sure make a submission with reccomendations to the Taupo track operators to sort out a corner that has attracted so much attention from so many bike racers. If a safety issue is found a withdrawl of permits will see a solution found in 5 mins flat.

Just for the record i cant see for the life of me why Aaron Slight and Chris Amon signed off the track layout when they were asked / payed to in design stage. Its a cock up and a danger to an already high risk sport.
I personally hate the corner and am shit scared of the paint there especially in the wet even if your going slower.
Cheers Paul.