Blackhawk airfence

[JBraun]

That pic is of T4, and airfence is not the problem there.

The solution would be to bring the run-off area up level with the track.  The fact that the track has a lip and the run-off falls away equals a launch pad.  The problem then goes into where the spectator line is, etc.

The airfence in T4 was and is in the correct place.  It's straight off of the corner, where the most velocity will be absorbed should a rider go straight off.  Does it happen?  Yes.  I went head-first into the tire wall in that corner.  I was lucky and only compressed a couple of vertebrae in my neck.  I thought my neck was broken...

Airfence is for the rider, not the bike.  The tirewall and barrels are for the bike.

More airfence is not really the answer in T4 at BHF.  Some significant work leveling out the area and moving the spectator line back is...  And this isn't something that BHF is oblivious of.  They know this is one of the most risky areas of the track for a rider.

Sorry, BHF corners are confusing, I always considered the first left after the bus stop t4 and the two subsequent lefts 5a and 5b.
I realize the airfence is not for the bike. But if the bike hit hard enough to make it to the fence, the rider ate the tires equally hard.
I couldn't agree more about runoff. That's the big issue, they need to push some walls back. And if that's not in the budget, I'd like to see them put in some real gravel traps. something to slow the rider down before impact.

[spyderchick]

Talking to track staff this last weekend, we discussed turn 4 specifically. The municipality has a lot to say about what can and cannot be done due to the aforementioned DNR restrictions, as well as required building permits. The entire section between 4 and 5 is due to get a collapsable "catch fence" when time permits. It is my understanding that it has been paid for, they are just waiting for the contracter to schedule the installation. They are also working on aquiring more air fence modules. They have a significant portion of the improvement budget earmarked for this. Unfortunately, it does not appear that they will be able to move the concrete barriers back at any time in the future, which would be the best solution.

As Gordy stated, the wish list is long, including new shower and lav facilities, improvements to the tower and staff facilities, along with continued track maintenance and improvements.

It's important to note that this is a business, and as such, they need to manage their cash flow to satisfy all of their customers. The positive thing is that there are bike freindly people in key staff positions that are contantly advocating for us.

If you have ideas for improvements, write a kind, professional letter to BFR. They do listen to their customers. The car guys are pretty vocal, and bring in a lot of money. That said, as we are a growing portion of their revenue, we can influence decision making by making our needs known to the management.

[r1owner]

It's not just about moving fence back.  The track is by my estimation about 4 feet higher than the ground at the fence.  So, now you move the fence back and push dirt in to level the track off with the runoff.  So what you have now, is a spectator area that is instantly lower than the track and runoff which is unacceptably dangerous.

So...  They can either bring in or push around enough dirt to level that area out entirely, or they'd have to move the armco, concrete wall and fence back far enough to allow a flat run-off, and then a gradual descent into the spectator area.

It's not as simple as it seems...

I agree that it isn't that simple, but if DNR stuff didn't come into play, with heavy machinery, do you really think it would take that much effort?

[sryan296]

Anybody got a bobcat and some shovels. I'll take care of it myself!

[DAmico]

This "business" is a cash cow and can easily afford the improvements. The money generated from the first three months of the season pays all the bills for the rest of the season.  I know this from a VERY reliable source. The track is paying off the improvements to Topeka this season. Improvements are in the works for the entire track at BHF, with the DNR and city board being the biggest hurdles.

[r1owner]

This "business" is a cash cow and can easily afford the improvements. The money generated from the first three months of the season pays all the bills for the rest of the season.  I know this from a VERY reliable source. The track is paying off the improvements to Topeka this season. Improvements are in the works for the entire track at BHF, with the DNR and city board being the biggest hurdles.

I don't claim to know the inner workings of the city board, but I think taking pictures of the latest crash to a meeting would hopefully be enough to convince them it is in the best interests to have the fence moved back.

[tzracer]

I don't claim to know the inner workings of the city board, but I think taking pictures of the latest crash to a meeting would hopefully be enough to convince them it is in the best interests to have the fence moved back.

Do that and the city board might just say it is your best interest to not race and close the track.

[HAWK]

Do that and the city board might just say it is your best interest to not race and close the track.

Agreed, I'd bet that most of the City Board and DNR people only barely tolerate our "loud and reckless sport" so showing them how dangerous T4 is may very well draw a different resonse than you are looking for.

Alexa hit the nail on the head, kind, calm professional letters to the selected individuals that are sympathetic to our cause.

[JBraun]

Anybody got a bobcat and some shovels. I'll take care of it myself!

I have the skidsteer. Just need manpower and pea gravel. Anybody else in?

[r1owner]

Do that and the city board might just say it is your best interest to not race and close the track.

Good point!

[weggieman]

It always amazes me the way people think construction projects are so easy. Then when they're in over their heads everything falls apart and the project doesn't get finished. Seen a zillion times.

Yep, much as engineers are not my favorite people, with exception for a few, there is a bit of engineering to do before you dive into that turn 4 project.

I have another idea that also would involve some engineering but also involves changing the track layout in that area. My original idea for slowing traffic there has helped tremendously but the speed of race equipment keeps going up and the track gets outdated again.

I will formally submit my ideas to Blackhawk management and ownership this fall. Hopefully with some results by next spring.

[Super Dave]

Leveling off an area will cause drainage issues.

Movement of barriers will require approval by the SCCA.  The SCCA has a process by which tracks are approved, and they are given notice of issues that need to be taken care of.

The motorcycling end isn't so clear.

Illinois DNR and EPA are real issues for the track.  They cost the track money.