Flag Protocol (a bit longwinded)

[Kuala76]

I will preface this by saying that the "culprits" (luckily) do not account for the majority when it comes to this issue.

That being said, I would just like to say that, from a cornerworker's standpoint, it would be great to see the flag protocol being adhered to and taken seriously, specifically the waving yellow and the RED flag.  We as cornerworkers are relying on you to adhere to the protocol almost as much as you all are counting on us to display the flags.

OUR protocol dictates that we are the first priority and we should NOT enter onto or near a hot track   There are times where in the interest of avoiding a stoppage, assisting a down rider, or moving debris off of the track, that we sometimes put ourselves into "not so safe" situations, which, of course is entirely our decision.  However, this takes faith in the fact that you are all adhering to the safer procedure of not passing and "racing" through the waving yellow.  The less faith we have in you, the less likely we are to go above and beyond to avoid the stoppage.  Lately I have noticed that the waving yellow doesn't have the affect it should, in that racers go on about their racing, passing, etc. regardless of the possible risks to themselves, never mind the risk to those out there trying to assist with the cause of the waving yellow.  Don't forget that the WAVING YELLOW means that there is a hazard to the riders ON or REAL NEAR the track.  That "hazard" could likely be your fellow racer.

As for the red, there is NO excuse for over riding the red!  If you were a rider down ON the track, or severely injured across the track, would you appreciate the fact that there are racers riding practically at speed, and passing?  Not being able to rely on the fact that the bikes are actually adhering to the speed reduction and no passing, could cause a delay in getting to the down rider, the bike or the fluid on the race line of the track.  And if you want to be selfish, if you don't adhere to the red flag, we will be WAY less likely to stand in the impact zone (again not OUR protocol, but some do in the interest of protecting the down rider and giving the continuing riders all the information we can to avoid further injury or accidents) pushing you off the area of the fluid, bike or body off the track. 

        There have been times (safe or not) that I have been standing in the impact zone assisting a down, confused and disoriented rider, or pulling a bike off that was half on the track, so the rest of the pack wouldn't plow into it.  I am sure the riders appreciated the fact that I didn't stand in the "safe zone" watching them until the track was cold.  And I am sure that you continuing riders would rather slow and not pass, than to take the risk of running into/over the bike on the track. 

   Anyway, that all being said, sorry for the "long winded" post.    I think most of you guys have respect for what we are doing out there, and also respect us while we are out there.  We appreciate the "thank you"s.  All of you take care, stay safe, race on!!! Just not under the waving yellow, or the RED  ::)

~Kumi
MARRC Cornerworker

[Simon]

Well put Kumi, hope you don't take a lot of "Flak" for it!!

[Kuala76]

Well put Kumi, hope you don't take a lot of "Flak" for it!!

I am expecting some, but hey, you know me, I can only "hold my tongue" for so long :). 

[spyderchick]

Corner workers rock. The coolest thing about working corners is having a racer say "thank you".

As you said, the majority of riders obey the flags and understand their importance. Could you be a bit more specific on which tracks you are seeing this happen? You need to address this with the race director of the events as something they can bring up in the riders meeting. That way, the issue gets addressed immediately and effectively. We need to keep it safe for everyone.

[Kuala76]

As you said, the majority of riders obey the flags and understand their importance. Could you be a bit more specific on which tracks you are seeing this happen? You need to address this with the race director of the events as something they can bring up in the riders meeting. That way, the issue gets addressed immediately and effectively. We need to keep it safe for everyone.

Specifically at Summit Main and Shenny both.  Again, it is not the MAJORITY of the time, but, it does happen.  On occasion, we have notified the race director and I am sure it was addressed.  However, my personal preference is not to get the "whole" in trouble for the "few".  Unfortunately, a lot of times when this happens we aren't able to catch numbers because a) they are coming at us too fast! b) we are preoccupied with the down rider, bike, or fluid.  We try make a point not to "tattle" except extremely hazardous behavior.  We also want to watch good racing and want the racers to have a great experience.  Things like wheelies while not in a pack.....I didn't see it ;)

I have listened in on a couple of rider meetings, those, I did hear the flags addressed.  I think the problem lies in those who don't listen, or just get so into the game that they forget the rules :)

Thanks for your kind and supportive response :)

[K3 Chris Onwiler]

Cornerworker and racer.  I've been on both sides of that coin, and I agree 100% with everything you said.  Thanks for keeping us safe!

[weggieman]

I know it's difficult but you need to get riders numbers and turn them in to control or race direction. There should be no question if you report a rider ignoring a warning flag. Get the numbers and report them. Then, if the race ref or director spanks their ass hard they will remember thos flags very well next time.

This is something there should be no lenience for, hit 'em hard when they violate these rules and they'll remember.............

[Woofentino Pugrossi]

What irks me is the guys you are throwing a debris wave off at just look right at you, slow down AND RIDE BACK TO THE PITS instead of pulling right over at the closest corner station. Would suck ass to have to clean an oil line around the track if they were leaking.

[weggieman]

idea.....have CCS do random written tests of racers. If they don't pass it they don't race. 

[Cornerman]

 Great idea! It seams at times some forget. Even some experts. I try to report violators. It makes one feel like they don't care. I've seen some pretty hairy situations come out on the good side becouse a pack of racers paid attention. If one is in a hurry to get back to the pits during a red flag take it easy. Most times it takes some time to get things cleared up and green for you. As for debris point I can't stand those that ignore these. You have been directed by race controll to get the $%&# of the track because your either smoking or something is falling off your bike or something else is wrong. IT SUCKS to have to clean up an oil track than runs a ways. I would imagine a ref could fine you in some cases for ignoring a point off. I know some have been fined for ignoring red flags.   

[Kuala76]

As for debris point I can't stand those that ignore these. You have been directed by race controll to get the $%&# of the track because your either smoking or something is falling off your bike or something else is wrong. IT SUCKS to have to clean up an oil track than runs a ways. 

It sux worse to watch the rest of the racers behind the smoking bike wondering where/if the debacle is going to occur.  As soon as I hear "there's a smoker, #___" and controls response is "all stations we need to debris point #____, get 'em off!!" One's heart immediately begins to pound awaiting the next call of "control this is turn _____ waving yellow!!!!"

I think that the racer who blows more than one debris point should be brought out to the corner to clean the mess instead of jumping into the crash truck with the bike.  As a corner worker we understand that there are certain corners where debris points are unlikely to be seen by the riders on the track, however, that is the minority of the time.  Again, there are times where corner workers are in a less than safe position track side solely to debris point a rider in order to prevent the further dangers to each and every rider out there.

Do guys who get debris pointed and continue on get crap in the pits?  I think sometimes the racers themselves are the best "enforcement" for violations.  Kind of a "track justice" type system