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[spyderchick]

Why would anyone protest working a 1/2 day as corner worker? Give me one really good reason.

I've heard more than the occasional racer b!tch about the job done by the race director, race control, corner workers, and other staff and personel. Granted, many have an appreciation for those in the support positions, however, as a corner worker, you get to see from the inside out what goes on. This is beyond what you'll hear on a scanner, or from second hand reports from those who are in the midst of any particular situation.

Having that basic comprehension can and will change the responses of some to frustrating situations that occur. Others may get nothing out of it. This is only my opinion, but I believe that there is something positive and useful to be gained by spending a few hours as a CW, and that will be beneficial to every racer who takes the time to do it.  I see no harm coming from requiring each newly licenced racer to have some CWing experience.

[r1owner]

Why would anyone protest working a 1/2 day as corner worker? Give me one really good reason.

 

Because I don't pay my money to cornerwork.  I pay it to race.

[PJ721]

I'm not saying I protest the idea...I just dont see it helping a racer be safer/better.  if you want it as a requirment prior to getting the license to pass the class I'm all for that....that would be helpful...mainly for the flags and overall rules of the track so to speak.

[tstruyk]

might help keep the stations filled too!  

Personally I dont see a huge connection...

From an overall club perspective yes... from a racer only perspective, if the racer wants to "see the fast lines" or appreciate the job the CW's do that should be up to them.

CW's IMO are at the top of the list of people to thank each and every weekend for sure!  I just personally dont think it should be "required", perhaps recommended???

[mike_rbm]

IMO having racers cornerwork to learn how to race better/safer would be like having a lifeguard drown to learn CPR....one doesn't help the other.

Exactly!

Cornerworking takes skill to. I've been in races that should have been stopped or different flags should have been waved but they continued until someone went down. I blame that on a lack of experience. That could have also been blamed on a lack of interest.

Until you can give me proof that this is a guaranteed benefit to help racers then forget it. I pay money to race and take track days and schools. Maybe we all should also spend a day in the kitchen (this would allow us to see what the front runners eat) and a day working the front gate. Maybe cutting the lawn would give us a cardio bennefit and allow us the invaluable experience of a weekly track walk.    ???

If you can cornerwork and give back then great  ;D  but I don't need inexperienced, unmotivated people having the responsibility of our safety.  >:(

<dream sequence>I still remember watching Mladin cornerwork the season before he captured the #1 plate. </dream sequence> ::)

[r1owner]

I'm not saying I protest the idea...I just dont see it helping a racer be safer/better.  if you want it as a requirment prior to getting the license to pass the class I'm all for that....that would be helpful...mainly for the flags and overall rules of the track so to speak.

They cover the flags and the overall rules of the track in class (and usually at every riders meeting).

[r1owner]

Exactly!

Cornerworking takes skill to. I've been in races that should have been stopped or different flags should have been waved but they continued until someone went down. I blame that on a lack of experience. That could have also been blamed on a lack of interest.

Until you can give me proof that this is a guaranteed benefit to help racers then forget it. I pay money to race and take track days and schools. Maybe we all should also spend a day in the kitchen (this would allow us to see what the front runners eat) and a day working the front gate. Maybe cutting the lawn would give us a cardio bennefit and allow us the invaluable experience of a weekly track walk.    ???

If you can cornerwork and give back then great  ;D  but I don't inexperienced, unmotivated people having the responsibility of our safety.  >:(

<dream sequence>I still remember watching Mladin cornerwork the season before he captured the #1 plate. </dream sequence> ::)

Very good points Mike.

Does everyone that works a corner know CPR?  If not, they should!  Talk about something that would help a racer!  

I'd rather see some of my fees go towards better trained cornerworkers.  

Heck, I'd even pay several dollars more per race for that!

[Mongo]

We have medical personnel that are within 2 minutes of you at just about every track.  A corner worker knowing CPR won't make a bit of differece since most of the issues are trauma and not heart attacks.

[morbo_581]

Exactly!

Cornerworking takes skill to. I've been in races that should have been stopped or different flags should have been waved but they continued until someone went down. I blame that on a lack of experience. That could have also been blamed on a lack of interest.

In cornerworkers' defense, I think (correction gladly accepted) that throwing flags is a race control decision, usually not left up to individual cornerworker.

[PJ721]

They cover the flags and the overall rules of the track in class (and usually at every riders meeting).

yup and there are always questions at every riders meeting about the flags/start procedure...and reminders the next day...and I'm glad they do it - keeps it fresh in everyone's mind

but here's a thought...what are the requirments/training to cornerwork? we take a class and have to have a license to race...we pay for that...is there anything like that to cornerwork? or can you just show up and say you want to help and they give you a headset and put you out on the track with someone and learn it?

[Xian_13]

Wow...
I'm freaking glad my OPINION is such a topic.

There are MORE then one reason why I believe this is a good idea for all new racers.
Once again, this is my opinion. If you think trashing my opinion will help... Best of luck on that.
However if you care to discuss it, lets hear your thoughts.

1. Learning the Flags and track rules. There are more then a handful of people racing for more then a few years that don't understand the freaking flags. Or even the Blend line. I don't know if a anyone here knows how many violation happen every weekend. One day on a corner might just give you alittle insight.

2. Understanding of what is the cornerworks job and not his job. Case and point, its not the corner workers job to pick up your bike after you left it on the track... Or give you a better understanding to communicate to the cornerworker if your injured/not injured. I could make a list here... But I wont, you should get the idea.

3. To offer a differant prospective of what is actually going on, on the track during a race.

4. Try to scare the stupid out of people, before they hit the track to race for the first time.


XIII

[K3 Chris Onwiler]

For the record, Xian has raced and cornerworked.  So have I.  It's a good idea to cornerwork for a day or two.  You'll see racing in a different light.  You'll also discover that racers wear helmets and body armor, but cornerworkers don't.  Try running out into traffic to retrieve a fallen rider, and then you'll understand why workers get so pissed when you disreguard their flags.  
Of course, some racers think that cornerworking is beneath them....