8/5/06 - Hpde 1 @ Tws

[eclipsegsx1736]

Did anyone else notice the sick irony in the "lets roll" painted on the back of that car? I can't believe everyone just stood and watched. Seemed to be more like a "you're on you're own" free-for-all instead.

 

[FORMONTOYA]

And that's my point exactly....imagine the outcome with the "fixed back" seal, harness and NO roll bar. Do you really think the roof wouldn't have crushed the guy? Broken his neck...paralyzed him or worse?

I'm sure he "thought" his skills were good enough that "this couldn't happen to me."

Sh!t happens, better safe than sorry. I'm sure he was happy to have the cage, and especially his family was too.

I'm also not impressed with the safety crew.

 

[asian312]

Wow...I missed that! I was only there on the 5th as my HPDE was only a 1 day signup. From the video that looks like the straight between corners 3 and 4.

Think I'm begining to grasp some of what you all are concerned about. Hopefully the vets here can get the ball rolling and see NASA Texas become a more inline organization. I really want to get to the point to do TT, but for now I guess it'll be Driver's Edge and PCA events for now.

Is it required for me to go through NASA HPDE to attain the right to participate in TT or comp license? Does DE schools from other venues count towards NASA? I know it's a bit of a ways off, but I like to start planning for it.

 

[jtmcinder]

Hopefully the vets here can get the ball rolling and see NASA Texas become a more inline organization.

I assume that by "vets" you mean veterans and not veterinarians, although given all I've heard, I'm starting to wonder.

woof!

- Jtoby

 

[Slow old poop]

Is it required for me to go through NASA HPDE to attain the right to participate in TT or comp license? Does DE schools from other venues count towards NASA? I know it's a bit of a ways off, but I like to start planning for it.

I ran my first TT event and never ran a single NASA HPDE, so it can be done.

Get track experience wherever you can, and it all counts. In normal NASA regions (not TWS!!), you are brought along through HPDE1 - 4, then TT, then race groups. Until the NASA Mickey Mouse organization in Texas gets its act together, I wouldn't go anywhere near one of their events.

Get seat time. Get instruction. It all counts.

Rich

 

[asian312]

Good to hear! I spoke with Chuck and he gave me some great insight on the DEs available here. Hopefully I'll be able to catch up with him at Oct. Driver's Edge event.

 

[Greg Collier]

Wow...I missed that! I was only there on the 5th as my HPDE was only a 1 day signup. From the video that looks like the straight between corners 3 and 4.
Think I'm begining to grasp some of what you all are concerned about. Hopefully the vets here can get the ball rolling and see NASA Texas become a more inline organization. I really want to get to the point to do TT, but for now I guess it'll be Driver's Edge and PCA events for now.
Is it required for me to go through NASA HPDE to attain the right to participate in TT or comp license? Does DE schools from other venues count towards NASA? I know it's a bit of a ways off, but I like to start planning for it.

As it turns out this incident is under investigation. The logistics of that section of track at TWS is difficult to access, so it took the safety crew a full lap to get to the scene. Because of communication problems the corner workers are required to stay in their positions while the track is hot.

I'm beginning to wonder if the NASA Texas region is under the influence of the Bush administration. What a bunch of frigging crap! Had that car caught on fire and the driver been unconscious or unable to climb out, we would have witnessed a tragedy beyond incomprehensible proportions!

There is absolutely NO EXCUSE that will resolve my anger for the lack of expediency in reaching that car. If I were the head of NASA organization I would immediately terminate any relationship with the Texas chapter.

Keep in mind that this is racing guys and it can be a very dangerous sport. Whenever there is ANY discussion regarding safety equipment such as "HELMETS", roll cages, fire systems, etc. Cost should never be a question!

 

[FORMONTOYA]

What really sucks is that I live in Texas and that is one of the better tracks for "average Joe" to run on. You definitely don't see that kind of crap during a major series racing event.

I've seen better safety at an autocross event at the local dog track.

 

[Greg Collier]

Today I had a lengthily conversation with John Lindsey the national director of NASA regarding this accident. He was able to contact the driver of the car that rolled and discussed the incident. The driver said that he had exited the vehicle instantly after the car rested on all fours and the emergency crew was coming up the track to his aid.

John said that the Texas region is now under scrutiny and that he’ll be attending upcoming events to ensure that all NASA policies are executed to the letter of the CCR regulations.

I am the first to say talk is cheap, but at least this is some sort of beginning of a dialogue in correcting the mistakes. I’ve known John from day one that I’ve been involved with NASA and he’s always been a no nonsense, straight shooter. I have to think that changes will be made

 

[asian312]

That is reassuring news. I can only say thank you Greg and to all the others who are able to ensures that this type of environment will be here for future generations.