166 replies to this topic

[DrDomm]

My intention was not to point fingers...I'm just as guilty of doing some stupid things in the past.  My point is that while we all work on improving lap times, we also need to work on safe driving (which sometimes compromises our lap time).  Analyzing and discussing how things could have been different is the only way to do that.

 

On another note, I commented on the Miata not following the racing line into turn 2.  I wonder if the driver pointed the BMW to go by on the inside.  

[MotoFusi]

Danny's balls don't interest me in the least.......................

[Danica Davison]

The comments were interesting on the Jalopnik post.  My favorite was the "multiple time GT3 record holder"  coming right out and blaming Danny for the 100% fault.  I'm sure in GT3 he hasn't done anything like that because he never actually races close with anybody in that class! 

 

I personally think there is some level of blame to be placed on all three drivers, as in almost every situation.  I'm sure it was avoidable in some sense, but it is not my place or intention to point at anybody. It is pretty easy to play Monday morning quarterback.  In the video, it looks like it happened so fast and the cars slowed down so much in a short distance, that I don't think Danny saw that coming and slowed down as much as he could.  It looked fast in the video, but I am sure it happened way faster in the car.  I think many of us would have done the same thing as he did and just kept our racing line and stay in the gas.  You can tell Danny instantly felt bad about it, as I would have too.  

 

I have never been to the Glen, so I have no idea what the room is inside/outside of the track, but it would be really nice if they put some runoff room on these tight corners instead of walls.  That curbing he launched from seems unnecessary, but like with anything, sometimes you don't know something is unsafe until something bad happens.

 

I really hate to see people get hurt like this doing what they love.  I have never met Leland, but I hope he recovers very quickly and hops back in the driver seat soon! 

[Caveman-kwebb99]

Everyone has an opinion, even me, I just choose not to share it here as it will never help repair the guys injuries or his wadded up car.  It is a disservice for any of us to armchair quarterback after the fact.

 

Personally I beleive there are things that the crashed driver could have and would have done differenlty in hind sight and I am sure danny sees many things he could and would change if he has this to do all over agaiin, so I am sure all have learned something in this process already!  Hopefully the things learned can be transfered to the next real life situation, but can it in the heat of the moment I am not so sure...

[wheel]

Since I race in a class, ASedan, that has been grouped with much faster (GT1, etc.) cars and, at other times with SM and other slower classes, I might comment.   I never turn in without checking both mirrors when I know that there are GT 1 cars that may be overtaking me.  This is especially true when I am way off of the apex.  At the same time, I am extremely careful making a move on a slower car, especially when it is a practice or Q session.  When you catch slower cars at the wrong spot the lap is a wash out for time, anyway. 

[Dennis Valet]

Part of the consideration is the area on the track that the incident occurred. For anyone that has driven at the Glen, going two wide up the esses is uncomfortable enough to begin with. I can honestly say that I would be very surprised and likely very upset if someone came up behind me and made it three wide during qualifying while I was already being passed on the left. 

 

Yes, you should always check your mirrors while being passed, but when a driver comes up on cars two wide in the esses and the options are going three wide to preserve a qualifying lap or lifting a little bit to not force the issue, the latter should ALWAYS be encouraged by the members of this class. 

 

I do believe it was a racing incident, but it was a racing incident that was compelled by the overtaking car who put all three cars in a very dangerous situation because he didn't want to sacrifice a qualifying lap in a session that is really just extra track time for SM drivers. 

[Bench Racer]

I do believe it was a racing incident, but it was a racing incident that was compelled by the overtaking car who put all three cars in a very dangerous situation because he didn't want to sacrifice a qualifying lap in a session that is really just extra track time for SM drivers. 

Just in case, before someone jumps on you, Lelan was in SM and Danny was in STL.

[Rob Burgoon]

It's laughable that folks are using "racing incident" to describe something that happened in qualifying.

[DrDomm]

Just in case, before someone jumps on you, Lelan was in SM and Danny was in STL.

 

Before anyone jumps on you...Leland was in an SM that was running STL...as was I.  Danny was in his true STL MX5.

[Peter Olivola]

Ever considered joining the SCCA stewards program?

 

 

It's laughable that folks are using "racing incident" to describe something that happened in qualifying.

[Rob Burgoon]

Ever considered joining the SCCA stewards program?

 

I lack the hunger for power that seems to drive many volunteers.

[Peter Olivola]

So, your satisfied trying to effect change by posting on internet forums?

 

I lack the hunger for power that seems to drive many volunteers.

[Bench Racer]

Before anyone jumps on you...Leland was in an SM that was running STL...as was I.  Danny was in his true STL MX5.

^ Semantics, speed/handling was/is all SM.

[ner88]

Where was the three wide happening?

The BMW was clear the Miata and the contact was after.

[Jim Drago]

I lack the hunger for power that seems to drive many volunteers.

Rob, that is kind crappy even for you

[Rob Burgoon]

HOA folks gonna HOA.

Not saying they all suffer from it, but a good chunk do.

[Rob Burgoon]

Look at Peter. I said something critical about a stewards call and he's reacting poorly to a dissenting opinion. Makes my point for me.

 

Edit: This reminds me of certain SMAC members reacting badly to criticism.  If folks can't handle reading opposing viewpoints, they probably shouldn't have taken on the responsibility of making decisions to begin with.

[Butch Kummer]

HOA folks gonna HOA.

Not saying they all suffer from it, but a good chunk FEW do.

 

FTFY

 

In my experience I came across some folks that certainly are on an ego trip, but I believe that's the exception rather than the rule. Even when we disagreed on which direction to head, I always remembered they are just as passionate about doing things right as I am.

[Peter Olivola]

Yes, let's look at Peter.  Exactly what in my "reacting" qualifies as "poorly"?  That I suggested an interpretation of the Watkins Glen crash that differs from your opinion?  That I made light of your comments about food?  That I suggested you consider joining the stewards program?  That I made note of your preference for making internet forum comments?  What, in any of that, indicates a power trip on my part?

 

Look at Peter. I said something critical about a stewards call and he's reacting poorly to a dissenting opinion. Makes my point for me.

 

Edit: This reminds me of certain SMAC members reacting badly to criticism.  If folks can't handle reading opposing viewpoints, they probably shouldn't have taken on the responsibility of making decisions to begin with.

[Rob Burgoon]

Yes, let's look at Peter.  Exactly what in my "reacting" qualifies as "poorly"?  That I suggested an interpretation of the Watkins Glen crash that differs from your opinion?  That I made light of your comments about food?  That I suggested you consider joining the stewards program?  That I made note of your preference for making internet forum comments?  What, in any of that, indicates a power trip on my part?

 

D'oh.   "This steward sees it as a racing incident"  "This" meaning you, not "this" meaning the steward at the glen.  I don't think you had your steward flair up when I read that so I read the meaning differently.

 

I was teeing off on what I understood to be a bad decision by the steward at the glen (that I thought was eating shrimp), not trying to single you out for your opinion given in a non-official capacity.  (or your dinner, haha)

 

Sorry for the confusion.

 

All that said, I still think you're way wrong about the "racing incident" part