Veiligheidsmaatreëls by 'flat track'-wedrenne wek kommer
Anton Meyer, George:
Ek wil graag die volgende deel oor Saterdag (27 Julie) se flat track racing by die George-ovaalbaan.
Dit was vir ons opwindend om te hoor dat die ovaalbaanmotorfietswedrenne weer aan die gang is.
Mag ek die volgende punte uitlig?
Veiligheid in alle sport is nr. 1.
Tydens die wedrenne word die deelnemers afgesit by die beginpunt terwyl persone oor die resiesbaan loop.
Die pit gate word aanmekaar oopgemaak vir voetgangers, baie maal tydens 'n resies.
Toeskouers staan aan die binnekant op die rand van die resiesbaan terwyl wedrenne aan die gang is,
'n Wedren is begin terwyl 'n pypkar afgesleep is en die motorfietse moes op die eerste draai om die voertuig ry.
Kinders hardloop oor die resiesbaan, asof daar geen beheer is oor toeskouers nie.
Deelnemers aan die wedren teken 'n vrywaring, maar dis niks werd, as die organisaseerders nie sorg dat die nodige veiligheidsmaatreëls in plek is en toegepas word nie.
Sou daardie pit gate byvoorbeeld oopgemaak word tydens 'n wedren en 'n deelnemer ry in daardie hek vas, of 'n toeskouer word raakgery sal die persoon/persone wat die geleentheid aanbied, insluitend die eienaars van die perseel, verantwoordelik gehou word vir die ongeluk.
Ek hoop van harte dat die aanbieders hierdie veiligheidspunte ter harte sal neem, sodat ons nog jare lank ongelukvry dit kan geniet, hetsy as deelnemer of toeskouer.
Event promoter, Bobby Hack responds:
It must be pointed out that the last event was the first race after a 5 year break. There was some confusion related to the pit area. The riders are supposed to go directly to the centre of the Oval and offload the race bikes and tool kits etc. The tow vehicles must then leave the area and park in the spectator area.
The reason for a centre Oval pit area is twofold, firstly it is meant to keep better control of the competitors and ensure a smoother flow of the race program, and secondly it means the competitors can see all the action. Better demarcation of access and exit to the track must be implemented.
The only people allowed in the centre Oval are the competitor and one pit crew plus the medics and marshal vehicle. Strictly no spectators are allowed in the pit area and no competitors' bikes will be allowed in the spectator area. Obviously the competitors have friends and family in the spectator area and are allowed to cross the track only with the starting marshal's authority. In future the pit gate access will be locked during the event and only opened for medic's vehicle or late entries and only under instruction from the starting marshal. As more competitors take part, the pits may have to move off track, but this will require more marshals and organisation.
There was an incident when a race was started while there was still a vehicle on the track and was due to lack of diligence of the starting marshal (me), fortunately there was no incident and the race was restarted after the track was cleared.
I appreciate the concerns raised and as the promoter will ensure more control at future events. I have been involved in Bike oval as both competitor and promoter for over 40 years and safety is high priority.
It is a problem to find people who are prepared to assist as marshals on race days and anyone who may be willing to become part of the team can contact me at 082 667 0427.
The next event is on 31 August with a full program of Oval action starting at 10:00 with Go Carts followed at 13:00 with Bike Oval and then Stock Cars from 18:00.
Posted on: 07:41 Thu, 22 August 2019
Posted by: Anton Meyer