The top 8 cars did not get through that part of the track without incident!! I know of at least 4 cars in the top 10 that had an issue with that part of the race track (one of them wasn`t even in dust). We cant just put our heads in the sand when something like this happens and just say they weren`t driving to the conditions, we need to look at all the facts (which many don`t have) and look at what can be done to avoid future incidents.
The fact of the matter was there was dust but there was also a straight arrow in an open paddock at the END of a straight and the crews involved put faith in that straight arrow and continued on straight, at a reduced speed. And 50metres later was a 2m high contour bank. The race track actually kicked right slightly through a gap in the bank. I know, as ryan and i did the same thing but were lucky enough to get away with it!!
Event organisers do an awesome job putting events on and there`s a lot of work that goes on to putting races on and they should be commended. But i think we have gotten to a stage in our sport where we need consistancy in track marking, i beleive we need a course marking checker who is at every national who signs off on the course marking.

heyu wrote:

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If there is a reconnaissance, the drivers themselves, can bring a signage or any other problem to the attention of the powers that be to be rectified

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 I spoke to some competitors on friday night (by phone) after reconnaissance, I got the impression that many people got lost and the signage was inadequate before the race even started.
 
 The biggest problem is that no-one brought the matter up at drivers briefing! If it was mentioned then maybe the organizers could have rectified the problem!

 

I definately think that it is time for GPS to be allowed. I am suprised that it has taken this long. We need to catch up to technology.

I disagree with both arguments for outside navigation:

1: Track Marking:
If track marking (a very difficult and time consuming job in itself) could be more firmly standardised, then double checked by an official prior to an event, why wouldnt this be satisfactory? IE an official checking that a 90deg corner has double red arrows 150m before the corner.

At the end of the day it IS the drivers responsibility to drive within the limits of the track and conditions, even though all of us suffer from The Red Mist and overcook sometimes. If the buck has to stop somewhere its behind the wheel, not with officials, track markers or dust.

Pulling Over:
At the end of the day its the nav's job to keep an eye on the mirrors. Most teams are pretty good at getting out of the way for faster vehicles, its the few that stuff up the system. I dont like the idea of having to spend more $$$ due to the sake of the few! Maybe a minimum Db for sirens/horns? Maybe allow Bob Stansfields 2T theories!!! (ok, maybe not)

I honestly reckon that both arguments for navigation technology are ways of absolving responsibility for the crew in the car. For the most part the current systems do work - they just need tweaking, not replacing.

When I was a steward several years ago, it was part of our duty to carry out a track inspection. The race could not start until the track was signed off. Does this still happen? If it does, the ramifications are obvious.

David makes a good point about signage. Are tracks, & therefore caution & danger signs, set up based on a vehicle with basicly no suspension travel, or on a modern rocketship? There is a massive difference.

I have had a view for a while now that our sport, at the top (national) level, has gone beyond what we had ever imagined. I have said before that I believe our top level should be ran differently to things at state level & below. Safety standards, track marking etc are all very different when you are doing 220kmh as opposed to 160. The margin for error is almost nill. It is my view that to coincide with the new proffesionalism of our competitors the organisation of our national events should also be done by proffesionals. Whilst clubs & club members have done & continue to do a great job, I just think the sport, at that level, is beyond clubs.    

i would like to see a register of available pro buggy competitors and either class 7 or 5 competitors who make themselves available say the friday before a national to check course markings with the organisers and change them as they go around they could be either driver or nav but experienced national competitors just a thought (one from pro class one from either 5 or 7 )