Accident at Bronson

[Frasson118]

Groundpounder.... I'm not saying the Govt SHOULD be involved, just pointing out that it does EXIST. What seems like common sense to most, doesn't even register to some.

I've seen some things done that make NO sense at all, and luckily didn't turn into the tragedy that this did. I've seen drivers running in a dirt track without so much as a helmet. Some of these guys also had KIDS in the car with them, not even strapped in. I've seen fans in turn 1 at Showtime with ZERO fencing in between the racing surface and a crowd of fans. I've seen fencing that was mounted INSIDE the support poles. I've seen a Demo Derby car pouring gas out, while the driver was SMOKING. We all saw what can happen if you run on foot out onto the track to confront another driver. I've seen 2 race cars burn to the ground because they relied on local (but not on hand) fire & rescue units. I've seen starter stands that hang out over the track, only to be wiped out by a flipping racecar.

Sometimes people don't think their way through the "what if it goes wrong" thought process.

That's when people get hurt, or worse.

And then everyone else looks back and asks "why was this ALLOWED to happen"

[kendo]

In NJ, ALL tracks are overseen by the state. .

With 2-3 ovals remaining...

[rhinoracing11]

II agree with the state over reach and they should be involed poins.Everyone feels horrible that this happened to a great guy, the loss to his family and to the driver of the truck.
My point is accountability. Not to the people who are part of the tragedy, but the ones who over see the operation.A signed waiver isnt cutting it for me.And sure tracks will close down, there the ones who would be shady operators.Im talking safety on the track protocol. And two people should be held responsible to the protocol. OWNER AND TRACK MANAGER.
So, example your suppose to wear a neck devise per protocol and you dont havr one, you crash, die from a neck injury, therfore track owner, manager is responsible! Inside the track like OSW you would have a designated safety area.If you are out of that area and get hit and die the Owner, Manager is responsible because that would be out of the protocol.

[rhinoracing11]

Think about this,this weekends accident could have been prevented If they paid attention towhat happen at Ocalas bull ring last year.The girl may not have died If they paid attention to what happen to the boy last year.My point being nothing has changed, because thers no accountabilities to any one other than the one who lost there life.
Rob

[Phil Jacques]

Saftey,needs t be looked at very closely. Thisvisva tragedy that should have not happened.At some point and time some one, group or even the state has to step in and over see safty aspects of a track or all tracks.Its clear to see leaving it up too track owners, tech officials, or the individual them selfs isnt cutting it on the safety side.My thoughts arent about the person who placed him self in harms way.My thought are about common sense, should we have another useless death without consequences to the track owners!

You are asking for more than I think you realize. Not sure if you are a driver or a fan, haven't seen you post here much... But think about this. Any time the government be it federal or state, gets involved in something... What happens? The cost of whatever it is, rises. In a sport where cost is already a problem, we can not afford much more. Getting the state involved will likely bring stronger insurance regulations which not all tracks can afford. In most cases, that cost will be passed on to us in some way. This holds the potential to limit participation of racers even more than it already is. When racers don't show up, then fans don't show up. When that happens, the track can not afford to stay open. When that happens, a WalMart gets built... Be very careful what you wish for. I agree that safety DOES need to be looked into a little more and I think that stricter regulations do need to be put in place by the tracks/promoters but getting any type of government involved is really asking for big problems.

That being said, I did not know Buddy, I believe I have crossed his path and possibly met him at one point when I lived down there as he was friends with one of my former bosses in Florida, but this is an absolute tragedy... I have many friends who Flag here in the northeast and have seen them also flag from the track and the fear is always present of an incident such as this... My thoughts and prayers are with his friends, family and anyone close to him. The couple people I have talked to in the past couple days have said he was an extremely passionate man. A true racers racer. Definitely a huge loss for the community. Rest Easy Bud

[Groundpounder]

Groundpounder.... I'm not saying the Govt SHOULD be involved, just pointing out that it does EXIST. What seems like common sense to most, doesn't even register to some.

And then everyone else looks back and asks "why was this ALLOWED to happen"

The buck stops at the promoter...he has the ultimate responsibility to how his track runs, who he lets race there, the type of events (and the risk involved) and who he hires to run his track. It happens because it is allowed to happen...are fan participation races good??? I have seen them and have personally always questioned the concept. A reasonable degree of safety for workers should be first and foremost.
Was that provided?
Sorry but each time somebody mentions the government getting involved I see waste, overkill, inefficiency and no real solutions with a great increase in the cost of doing business. Keep them away as long as possible unless of course something truly criminal is happening.

[egspeedway]

First and foremost condolences for this tragic accident. The immediate lesson for all is no one on the track except essential people as appropriate for the situation. Stan Kross was one of the most exciting and memorable starters I have had the pleasure of watching but that does not make his style safe. In the last few weeks we have lost a starter and a sprint car driver that for whatever reason were in harms way at the wrong point in time. These situation are easily remedied. What we do not want is the government empowered to tell us how to run our races. It will not stop at safety rules. It will progress into facilities integrity beyond code could be broadened into noise levels EMT ambulance requirements and the list goes on until the tracks cannot afford to race. If the track operators are unable to use common sense to rectify these types of errors then we will have only ou selves to blame if the Govt. steps in. Do not ever forget that after the tragedy in Monza in the mid fifties our own congress seriously considered banning auto racing in the USA.

[Frasson118]

Too often, race tracks have had to implement procedures to "keep this from happening again", rather than "how do we prevent this from happening in the first place"

I'm not advocating that the Govt gets involved.... but the racing community needs to be smarter on their own, from tracks, to drivers, employees and fans.

Keno.... I realize that only a few oval tracks still exist in NJ, but that has more to do with land values than over-regulation. The state also oversees the drag strips, motocross tracks, karting tracks, and road courses.

I have to believe that most, if not all tracks, could do a better job of protecting the folks that come through the gates, whether it's the front one, back one, or employee entrance.

[rhinoracing11]

Nothing personal here.These are just things that happens that We can use as a sring board to help make change.I care for the sport as much as the next guy.I am a fan and race as well.
Knowledge is power.Here in Fl.these accidents are preventable.Sometimes it takes a tragedy to move the needle.Just hate it for those families.

[Lurkin]

Government intervention always makes things run smoother. Who hasn't breezed through the wonderful Driver's License office with a huge smile and feeling of satisfaction? I myself have a total of about 13 years working for the gubment including my military service and I think anyone in this thread who even hinted at Government Intervention should be banned. BANNED!!! Banned from this website and every track in the country. I can't even believe anyone would say this in jest! Unbelievable.

[Frasson118]

I know where that comment was aimed.... and in NO WAY did I say it SHOULD happen. Go back & re-read what I said, not what you're obviously reading.

Its a FACT that New Jersey does have State involvement.... that was the ONLY point. Not that WE should want or need it. Purely starting a fact.

I'm only advocating common sense by everyone that enters any track.

As tragic as this is, and make no mistake, it is VERY tragic, it didn't have to happen. A racetrack is no place to EVER feel completely safe... even the parking lots have had parts, tires and complete cars fly into them.

Just be as aware and alert as possible. It might be your ass, or someone else's, but PLEASE be as safe and responsible as possible.

The best way to keep the Govt out of it in the first place, is to implement a guideline of our own that is both safe, and Not overly intrusive by outside forces (govt, lawyer, insurance companies, etc)

If we don't watch ourselves, they'd be glad to do it for us.

And NOBODY wants that....

[Lurkin]

Way to be to backpedal there Governor Christie.

[katlizy]

Way to be to backpedal there Governor Christie.

Omg. Lol...


Back to Bud. We should all realize he would not want us to point fingers, but keep going to the races. Encourage the kids, and do what we love.

[Phil Jacques]

Way to be to backpedal there Governor Christie.

You sir, just won the internets

[rhinoracing11]

I suggested the state, sure! If a group or goverment over saw maybe this accident would not have happened.YOU missed the point with your ignorance sir.And a opinion is never wrong!
Other than crying what wont work I didnt read any brave knowledge that would make safety better.These post by no means degrades the one in this accident nor was this thread a dedication to the fine flagman.Counter production gets evryone no where......