I find it ironic that just last week I was talking to John Fosgate about my comfort level when it comes to track days/test days, and AFM races.
I know that the minute I put a wheel on a course run by the AFM crew, my safety is the #1 thing in everyone’s mind. When you have at least four workers in each corner, I know if I do crash not only will I have someone comm race control, someone flagging other riders, but also have two people coming to my aid within seconds!
No matter which track day I go to, no matter what track is putting on a test day, I know I could crash, and I know there is a chance the workers could miss it, as there just isn't enough of them out there.
I had a rider crash in front of me on the exit of Riverside during a BW test day. I was already at the crest of lost hills before the corner worker had turned around, and seen the bike that had gone end over end a couple times down the track, with parts flying all over the place. It wasn't until I was in turn four that they had figured out that the track with a bike in the middle of it, and strewn with parts needed to be shut down.
Yes I see track days as a potential hazard. I don't push myself as hard on them as I do on AFM weekends. I also think that the track day organizers need to think about this, as I do see a definite negligence on how things went down (as described in the thread). It doesn't matter the location of the crash, and vantage points from where the workers are. Just because a portion of the track can't be seen clearly by a worker doesn't mean they aren't responsible. In fact I think it actually is evidence that they are negligent. They accept the responsibility to supply a safe track, and to make sure that they cover that entire track. Missing a rider make it so far off track, and then that rider being out there for as long as reported can only be accredited to incompetence. Getting that far up the hill between 1 and 2 would produce enough dust that someone would have to have seen something. If they had a spotter in the turn 1 flag station, I am sure the chances of this being noticed would have been much better.
I hope that something positive comes from this. It sounds like Chris has already thought about this, and is planning on reducing his exposure by staffing the track better. I am sure that Lance will review his operations, and make a decision that would make for a safer track experience for all.
This could mean an increase in the cost of track days, but in the end, added costs to you and I, for added safety is something that I am more then willing to take on.
In closing, I would like to say I hope Sammi comes out of this okay, and is back at it in a short time. I know from personal experience that dealing with major trauma is not fun. I also know that being young will help Sammi heal quicker, but the injuries will always be there to remind him of the second chance he will be given. I know I am living my second chance to the fullest!