Ok, here's the deal-eo. For complicated legal reasons, Blackhawk cannot purchase Airfence to be installed at the track. HOWEVER, they can accept any donated sections. Tom, who runs security/grounds management has spoken with John Ulrich, and anyone who donates to the RRW Action Fund can have that money earmarked specifically for Blackhawk Farms Raceway. All the money would be collected from now until April, and then be delivered spring next year. Tom and the track management would like to see at least 10 new sections by next year at a total cost of $10,000
To donate please go to: https://secure.echoalley.com/actionfund/ (https://secure.echoalley.com/actionfund/) Make sure you put For Blackhawk Farms in the notes.
Thanks everyone, lets make this happen!
Where do they plan to put the new sections?
Very cool!
Quote from: weggieman on May 14, 2007, 11:14:24 PM
Where do they plan to put the new sections?
In talking with Tom, T2 is a priority and then he will deploy as many as he can get, the more the merrier. Obviously, 4 and 5 could use a few more sections.
If anyone can think of a matching corporate sponsor, we should be able to get there faster. Feel free to give me a holler if you have any ideas.
I'm all for safety improvements in T2 but at the speeds we're going through there, I'd much rather see the guardrail moved back, some trees taken out and a gravel trap. I was just back there a few days ago and it looks like there is plenty of room for what I'm talking about.
They have more to deal with (think red tape, and small time politicians) than just moving stuff around, it's pretty complex. Gordy consulted a couple of years ago and got them to make some safety improvements and they definitely have us on their radar, so that's good.
I agree with Alexa... You have to remember that everything is done for a reason. It would be cheaper to move the guardrail and a few trees than to line the turn with airfence, so why WOULDN'T they do it? They wouldn't because often times they CAN'T.
The state and county have a lot of say in what they are able to do and what they're mandated to do (do you think they actually chose to line the track with tires? Then go back and bag all those tires?). We see it as a track in a swamp. The county & state see it as a 'wetland preserve' or whatever they choose to term it.
In any event, regardless of what they do with the rail, more airfence can't be a bad thing...
I don't believe the turn 2 area is a problem as far as wetland policy. Even 5 wasn't a problem as they didn't do anything to change the course or area around the stream.
Removing those trees and moving the guard rail should be a no brainer for them. It would benefit all racers at the track not just bikes and the cars have more problems there than the bikes do.
I believe I recall someone offering equipment to remove the trees at one time.
So what's going on with this?
Have there been donations?
Where are they is regards to the goal?
Is the track considering other safety improvements (like mentioned above) that don't require donations or cause legal problems?
Quote from: Jeff on May 15, 2007, 02:29:18 PM
I agree with Alexa... You have to remember that everything is done for a reason. It would be cheaper to move the guardrail and a few trees than to line the turn with airfence, so why WOULDN'T they do it? They wouldn't because often times they CAN'T.
The state and county have a lot of say in what they are able to do and what they're mandated to do (do you think they actually chose to line the track with tires? Then go back and bag all those tires?). We see it as a track in a swamp. The county & state see it as a 'wetland preserve' or whatever they choose to term it.
In any event, regardless of what they do with the rail, more airfence can't be a bad thing...
THE AIR FENCE IS AWESOME FOR SURE
but considering the number of car and motorcycle racers and trackdayers that live within an hour or two of the track; what are the chances of getting with the track and seeing what they would be willing to do and then posting it on all the forums and having a slew of racers show up at the next scheduled town hall meeting???
i'd make the trip, as would a lot of other folks.
i'm all for owls and lady bugs, but there's no shortage of trees for them to move to.
i'd make the trip, as would a lot of other folks.
[/quote]
count me in
Quote from: weggieman on May 15, 2007, 08:41:22 PM
I don't believe the turn 2 area is a problem as far as wetland policy.
What I'm confused on was the new ditches they put at Blackhawk. Won't the ditches drain the wetlands? More or less consolidate the "wetlands" into a creek? Maybe I'm confused...
Either way, turn 2 could definitely use something.
That picture of the cow in the sidecar reminds me of something I seen on the news this morning. Somewhere in Mass., a cow wandered off and fell into an in-ground swimming pool. It was hilarous watching how they were trying to get the cow out. Apparently, the cow wasn't in much of a hurry to leave.
Just donated!
K
Any updates on this? What about the turn 2 tree removal/guard rail relocation idea?
I pushed that idea to Mike Irwin a few years ago. I believe if he was still there it would have been done by now.
This fall would be the perfect time to get that done.
Alexa are you following up on this?
Tom and I were supposed to talk at the last BFR, but he was pretty busy. Hopefully we'll have an update this weekend.
Cool. Push for the guard rail movement.
Unfortunately I have to be in Stevens Point this weekend or I would join you. I've looked that turn over many times and know exactly what needs to be done for a complete straight shot of run off room all the way to the corner station, which could be protected by a very short section of armco and tires.
Of course a gravel trap there would be a thought also,
Have fun and keep us informed.
I read a report that airfence was no effective for motorcycles, only cars.
Quote from: dan_ls on August 13, 2007, 11:46:31 PM
I read a report that airfence was no effective for motorcycles, only cars.
Airfence is designed specifically for motorcycles.
http://www.airfence.com/default.html (http://www.airfence.com/default.html)
good link, I would swear I had read it somewhere. Thanks
I understand there is a new owner at Blackhawk. Time to start this all over again to convince the newby to change turn two guard rails.
Quote from: weggieman on August 22, 2007, 07:58:51 PM
I understand there is a new owner at Blackhawk. Time to start this all over again to convince the newby to change turn two guard rails.
Really, where did you hear this?
Who is the new owner?
Enquiring minds want to know :thumb:
Yes, it's been in the works for years, the talking, at least.
He's a SCCA gentleman, and he really seems to have a lot of care and concern for the track.
Quote from: Super Dave on August 23, 2007, 12:20:49 PM
Yes, it's been in the works for years, the talking, at least.
He's a SCCA gentleman, and he really seems to have a lot of care and concern for the track.
So is it a done deal?
Everything I heard last weekend was that it was a done deal - suppose to be finalized within the next couple of weeks.
Heard the same thing about it being an SCCA guy - from Chicago area I believe.
Yes, that's correct.
I don't think it's my place to say more as there certainly will be more information coming out soon from him.
My understanding is the new owner takes over Sept. 1. All contracts in affect will be honored for the remainder of this year. Next year???
Well, it's been a very good business. I believe Paul wants to continue those valuable relationships.
Spoke to a friend today that knows Paul. Says he is a great guy and wants to make changes, i.e. improve, Blackhawk. :thumb:
if anyone has contact info, please PM it to me..
Ya~~ That would be great.!! Really cool!