Something positive KB can do

[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

[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:Me]

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:Me]

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:Me]

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 dorkland

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?

[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.