There's still some things need sorting but it's getting better

[lukemillar]

Should have looked at the flag - it's bigger than the penalty board

Haha - I'm not disputing that! Also, I'm not condoning what the "slow down on the start/finish straight rider" did either. I just wanted to mentioned that one rider did get confused after the last round, and if it is a rule to tell a rider that he has jumped, then maybe we should stress that at the briefing.

I can see why there is a rule, but again, I don't think it is beneficial as most people (except for Spyda's example) can't make back the time given in a jump start over a 6 lap sprint race as we are trying to go as fast as we can anyway!

I'll drop a line to MNZ and will be interested to hear what they think.

On a side note- I can sort of understand why the rider that slowed down to let people past did just that (it is a stupid rule that has happened recently a couple of times in World Supersport). Unfortunately, we do watch these other race series and it does filter into peoples' minds.

[gixerracer]

Haha - I'm not disputing that! Also, I'm not condoning what the "slow down on the start/finish straight rider" did either. I just wanted to mentioned that one rider did get confused after the last round, and if it is a rule to tell a rider that he has jumped, then maybe we should stress that at the briefing.

I can see why there is a rule, but again, I don't think it is beneficial as most people (except for Spyda's example) can't make back the time given in a jump start over a 6 lap sprint race as we are trying to go as fast as we can anyway!

I'll drop a line to MNZ and will be interested to hear what they think.

On a side note- I can sort of understand why the rider that slowed down to let people past did just that (it is a stupid rule that has happened recently a couple of times in World Supersport). Unfortunately, we do watch these other race series and it does filter into peoples' minds.

Anyone that holds a racing licence should be aware of the rules related to there race classes etc

[gixerracer]

And why the fuck cant people find their grid positions!

When im not there you can have Number 1 grid. Simple really

[Bert]

The programe for last weeks meeting states
Red Flag at the Hairpin after the chequered flag:
* pull into slip road and wait for the green flag at the Chief Flag Marshalls station
Also states
* red flag - reduce speed,signal, pull into pit lane and wait for instructions, use the slip road.

It was made quite clear at the riders briefing and have been the method used at manfeild at least since Owen's death 2005.

What is really the big issue with waiting on the slip road until it is deemed safe to cross the track (either in red flag or race finish conditions)?

The only issue that I can see is that of riders wanting to check final tire temperatures (under racing conditions)...
If that's the case then I would have thought that practice days were for that: not racing days.
There are rules and other considerations for organisers (whom if they were not there, we would not be racing).

If you don't like the rules they set (which are around safety for all concerned) then you really have two choices:
1. find out why the rules are the way they are and discuss them logically after the event with the organisers (don't ignore them).
2. don't go racing....

Jelly brought up three events that happened; each of them made my heart skip...to the point where I stopped watching as I'd rather not see another person die this year.

[lukemillar]

Anyone that holds a racing licence should be aware of the rules related to there race classes etc

Of course, but it seems that is not the case.

[Ivan]

The race was red flagged you supposed to return to the dummy grid. I had also been passed the chequered so I was supposed to use the slip road. So you were going to put a green flag out on a track that is under red flag? Should I assume the track is now back to race condition and im not allowed to cross the track? Maybe I should have carried on around the track and back to the dummy grid like the other riders but I had just been warned not to do that?

Do I trust the kids on the flag point? At one point they were holding up a green flag above there head as they moved around in the marshal point when there were bikes coming...

Why do you use a slip road that dramatically increases the risk of fatal injuries. You will get a flag marshal to stand in the middle of a track with bikes coming flat out toward them, you are having bikes cross a track for no reason. Let us complete the lap and ride into the pits. No reason the next class cant get let out once the last rider is at the hairpin which would see races turned over even quicker. Slip road seems like a stupid idea to me

I agree with choppa finish the race last bike to hairpin open the gates for the next class and let them out the flow is so good that way

in motox the last bike hits the finish line and the start gate located somewere else is allready dropped and the bikes are racing so as literally one race ends the next starts we have heaps of classes 20 minute races start at 10 and go home by 2.30 just food for thought

[jellywrestler]

Personally I like the slip road use at Manfeild as it's one of the best features on any tracks in New Zealand.
Why? It's quite good to see riders have a wee chitchat there often quite animated too. A few pats on the back etc. No other track has that feature everyone disappears back to the pits.

It seems to me if the riders obey the rules this is a safe part of the track.

[roogazza]

Anyone that holds a racing licence should be aware of the rules related to there race classes etc

You would think that Gixerracer wouldn't you, I shakes my head !
I read so much crap on here on this subject. What are we breeding nowdays dumb fucks ? It's not just youngsters either which is a real worry.
Does this sort of stuff happen at other race meets in NZ, anyone ? It was a rare happening in years gone by. Is it a reflection of the people out there taking up the sport? Christ,fix it quick.

Of course, but it seems that is not the case.

[Kickaha]

Why? It's quite good to see riders have a wee chitchat there often quite animated too. A few pats on the back etc. No other track has that feature everyone disappears back to the pits.

It seems to me if the riders obey the rules this is a safe part of the track.

Levels does and the same happens, riders aren't allowed to cross the track back to the pits until the green flag at the hairpin is waved

[CHOPPA]

What happens if a bike comes off the last corner and smashes into everyone that is stopped waiting? Stranger things have happened. If it were a safe place to stand during racing conditions then marshalls would stand there and quad bikes would be able to wait there or the ambulance. But its not a safe place to stop.

Safety concerns:

Bikes can crash into people stopped there waiting.
Marshalls have to stand on the track with the red flag with a risk of getting run down.
Bikes have to cross a track when instucted by children on the flag point.


But its a good idea because the riders can have a chit chat?
It doesnt make the any difference to time either because the marshalls need there time to check the track.

Are there any good reasons why my safety concerns should be overlooked?

[Tony.OK]

What happens if a bike comes off the last corner and smashes into everyone that is stopped waiting? Stranger things have happened.

Hmm...........where'd this bike end up? Can't remember who it was

[yungatart]

...
Bikes have to cross a track when instucted by children on the flag point.


But its a good idea because the riders can have a chit chat?
It doesnt make the any difference to time either because the marshalls need there time to check the track.

Are there any good reasons why my safety concerns should be overlooked?

Oh, you are in a bad way, aren't you?

Those 'children', as are all marshals, are instructed by race control.
One of those 'children' is a very experienced marshal, with a number of years under his belt.

The system has worked for a number of years...in earlier race meetings you have understood it all, and not been confused by it all.

Brain fade? Or is age catching up with you?

[jellywrestler]

What happens if a bike comes off the last corner and smashes into everyone that is stopped waiting? Stranger things have happened.



But its a good idea because the riders can have a chit chat?

first point, you're right, there is some risk of being there.


second point, I never said it's a good idea so people can have a chit chat, merely stated that as an observer that this was an interesting feature that no other tracks have.
(kickaha tells me the same happens at levels, i've only been to the Nationals there and it's a full wind down lap)


My point of the thread is to get people discussing all the risky moves so people know it's not OK, if it brings about change then that's got to help solve some of the issues.

[Skunk]

Interesting discussion. (I wonder if anyone has mentioned these points to the VMCC Committee or whether they are relying on someone to read the thread and give the Race Organiser a call to let them know it's been posted... Ohh, no one has. But the Race Organiser has had a phone call from someone NOT involved.)

The rules were clear. Verbal and written. You are instructed to slow to a touring pace exiting turn one so you shouldn't have bikes going "flat out" at the marshal on the slip road. If you stop at the right place on the slip road you would be well clear of any 'Shirriffs' type crash. (Where did his bike end up?...)

The reason for using the slip road is so VMCC can clear the rest of the track of broken bikes (from turn four through to the front straight). This does save time. VMCC can't change the rules race by race. So it's either shorter races and full circuit OR the slip road...

I understand the CoC instructed the Steward to send the offending rider home for one incident. It was the Steward who decided not too.

[Tony.OK]

(Where did his bike end up?...)

The reason for using the slip road is so VMCC can clear the rest of the track of broken bikes (from turn four through to the front straight). This does save time. VMCC can't change the rules race by race. So it's either shorter races and full circuit OR the slip road...

From memory it made it to the slip road or very very close to it.

Haven't been to a meeting for ages, it was done and dusted by 3:30, is that normal, seem to remember finishing around 4:30 when I was braver