The (sometimes) harsh reality of doing HPDE's

[bhartman]

This is not meant to scare anyone away from the sport, but to just provide an example of what not to do.

http://www.nasaforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=6930

[NJStangFan]

DOAH!!! That's gotta suck!!! :eek: :eek: :eek:

[suprsnke]

I was on track w/ him that day. That really sucked cause it was the last session of the day. He's right on the money w/ what he said about cold tires. The air temps dropped considerably as the day went on. There was noticeably less grip at the end of the day.
I currently have a yellow 98 Cobra. About 4 years ago I stuffed a 96 Cobra in the same tire wall that he hit. Lime Rock is a dangerous little track w/ not so much run-off room.

Ray

[gcassidy]

We never like to think about anything like that happening to our cars, especially when they're not dedicated racers. But at least he's ok to rebuild and run again. Can't stress how much safety equipment is an important part of any track car. I'm working on getting a 5 pt harness in my car. Anyone put one in a '98 Cobra vert?

[Stanger58]

That is too bad... but, accidents can happen ANYWHERE... on the street, in a parking lot, on the track...

Yes, at the track we are driving in a more "spirited" manner than on the street (at least, we HOPE you are)...and as it's been said, that's why it is some important to have current and appropriate safety gear when you take your car to the track for an HPDE or any driving school. Cars can be rebuilt/repaired/replaced MUCH easier than the "software" inside the cars!

At least, on the track, MOST of the time, you are in much better control of your safety than you are on the street! This is why we put on "driver's schools" so you can learn car control skills that you CAN apply to your everyday driving...

Be safe out there... on the track and on the street...

[krman68]

I was up at Watkins this past August and an instructor kissed the Armco because of cold tires....also the first hot lap.

That incident did one thing...it woke us all up to make sure that our tires were well scrubbed and warm before running all out.

I guess its something we're all told to be careful of but you never think about it seriously until you see it happen.

[Buckshot77]

Hmm, it could be a lot worse. Case in point is me at an auto-x a couple years ago.

http://a1.cpimg.com/image/C1/37/16564161-c7cf-028001E0-.jpg

Video and more pictures here (http://www.sarcasmracing.com/Gallery/2001-10-07/index.html)

Cold day, cold tires, cold brain, and inexperienced driver. It happens, just learn from it and go on.

Rick

[deactivated]

an auto-x...hrm. those types of wrecks should not be happening at an auto-x....at least if you were to ask a big wig in SCCA. Auto-x are always touted as "safe and fun"

[krman68]

OUCH...That looks like it hurt.

I would guess that the car was considered a total loss?

[Buckshot77]

The course wasn't a typical auto-x due to the fact it is on a go-kart track. It was just an unfortunate overall incident that was driver error, nothing to do with the track or setup of the event.

Yes, the car was a total loss. I ended up buying it back at the salvage auction and parted it out.

Rick

[NJStangFan]

Holy crap!!! :eek: