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Hi Adam, thanks for your support this weekend and especially your concern today (that's a matter for Charlie and I to take up with the relevant authorities and as such, won't be touched on here).
As discussed at the track today, you make some very valid points and I agree wholeheartedly with you about drivers taking a go at marshalling to experience the other side of the track. I'm one of the old guys and have marshalled and raced cars in the past(many years ago!).
What has really concerned me over the last two meetings is that the decision to stop a race under a serious (or potentially serious) situation can only be made by the Clerk of Course. I'm sure Bob, as an experienced racer/coach/track owner who wants nothing more than to promote karting must be concerned about this too. Safety is paramount in all forms of motorsport and, in a way because karting is the entry level, even more so to promote new competitors.
When the incident happened involving the marshall today, I was working on Charlie's kart in the paddock. We ran to the track when we heard the commotion from the spectators and only saw the aftermath of the accident....and even at that point, we could tell it was serious and already, a couple of medical guys were rushing to the scene. Why it took 4 laps to stop the race is, quite frankly, apalling. I would estimate that at least 20 people were shouting and waving towards the start line officials but the only response was a look of bemusement. Surely, such commotion should be taken as an indication that something was seriously wrong? PLEASE..... can we not have a situation where marshals (or even spectators if they only just wave their arms) can't attempt to stop a race when a potentially life threatening situation occurs?
Perhaps there needs to be a position specifically made/constructed for race control which can actually oversee the whole track. It may be an expense but hey, it could also save a life or a serious injury.
We all want the same thing....enjoying a sport we love, fairness, friendship and to get all that in a safe environment. Officialdom is all very well until it starts to go wrong - For it to go wrong twice in 2 meetings means that it needs to be looked at.
On that bombshell, it's time for me to get to bed!
Rog
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