PEAK PUTTERS

Some reports say one dead others eight, not clear which is correct.

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?secti ... id=7610843

It is 8 dead and 12 injured.

The real story:

The "rockpile" at the California 200 is the "Zoo Road" of the US. People were standing too close to the track. A 1450 (unlimited prerunner) truck rolled into the crowd after a big jump off of the starting line. The driver and co-driver were physically unharmed but they were removed from the immediate area over concerns for their safety. They were not "pelted with rocks" or abused in any way. The race was immediately stopped/canceled.

Because of the open nature of BLM land in California, it is virtually impossible to separate the spectators from the track. This is a racer's worst nightmare and something that the spectators knew was a risk when they chose to stand at the bottom of a jump. It is nothing more than a tragic accident. Sadly, it will change the face of my sport for some time to come.

In Nevada and Arizona, where we race, spectators are only allowed at specific spots on the course where it is "safer" for them to be. I would imagine that the California races, if they are allowed to continue, will move to this system as well. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those killed and the racers for the horrible burden that they will carry for the rest of their lives.

If you would like to have any questions answered about this, I am in contact with people that were actually there. Do NOT listen to the news about this. It is very flawed and biased towards the "blood".

OldGreen wrote:My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those killed and the racers for the horrible burden that they will carry for the rest of their lives.

x2

Just makes my heart hurt so much...

I do not have the time to investigate this charity, I am just throwing this out there because I think more than a few of us feel touched by this tragedy.

http://bowermedia.com/2010/08/fast-aid-opens-specific-account-for-mdr-california-200-accident/

I know the people behind Fast-Aid. It is top notch. It is endorsed by Racers for Christ/Rock Crawlers for Christ Chappy Steve. . .so it must be top notch.

One of the highlights of every race is having a prayer with chappy in the front seat of the truck. . .a prayer that this very thing doesn't happen.

The pot gets stirred some more. What a read


http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2 ... s-say.html



Freakin' LA paper..

Please forgive me, but that article is absolutely spot on save the "destroying the ecosystem" crack.

Those people were too stupid and/or ignorant to stand back from the track. Therefore, they should stay home OR be forced into spectator areas that are confined and patrolled like they are in Parker.

Those of us in the pits or on the track are actually SAFER than these spectators were because we are in a controlled environment.

It is funny, my life insurance application asked if I planned on being entered in any automobile races. It didn't ask if I was going to attend one as a spectator. . .or check my IQ as it pertains to standing next to deadly machinery.

I guess my issue is the tone of the headline as much as anything. And some of the comments that follow...

Totally agree with that. That's the whole problem here: The CBD and Sierra Club actually have a VALID argument. As a community, it is important that the only arguments that they have sound completely crackpot. . ..


A couple of clips that sum this up. Watch this one at 1:20: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r55o9DX2EMg&feature=related

and most importantly, watch this one from 3:40. . .or back a little further if you want background: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r55o9DX2EMg&feature=related

Click here and do it please!!!

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=910457

Horrendous, but not a reason to shut land down! This would be over reacting at it's worst. This sport is 50 years old, has an overall good record, and generates much income for the area. I believe the factors here need to be looked at, and addressed in logical fashion, without much tearing of hair and kneeding of hands. One good place to start would be to look at how Best In The Desert has handled safety for their races, and adapt it to the conditions in the Mohave. Please don't just shut things down out of hand. This would be a diservice to all, including those involved in this tragic event. Don't let closure be the legacy here, but instead improve racing and the relationship with stakeholders to honor the memory of those we lost.

Dave Walters
Offroader