Firebird video??

[hi-side_racing]

I have seen FAR more people go to the hospital from crashes at Buttonwillow, and there isn't even a wall to hit there.  

I agree completely. I've seen alot more crashes at Buttonwillow, and alot more serious ones there as well. Not sure if the wall keeps people's throttle hand in check at Firebird, or the lack of a wall at Buttonwillow allows people to go nuts...

[RAY_HYMER]

Nobody wants to hit a wall, that's for sure.    I don't think that running into the wall in the tower turn is what keeps the people somewhat tame.  If you look at the fast people at Firebird (Ledesma, Palmer, Jensen, A.J., Keiffer), you don't see them crashing in that turn, and they exit the tower turn like a MAN.  Truthfully, that is a slower turn, and when racers crash in that turn, it is usually a low side (except for your high side with your SV!!), and the riders don't even hit the hale bales, much less the wall!  I for one am looking forward to the October race.   ;D
I just haven't found out if it is a combined Pacific/SW race or just a SW race.  Anyone know for sure?

[digitalRoost]

the problem isn't completely resolved by keeping your throttle hand in check. I probably speak from recent experience having been taken out by another rider at Buttonwillow, but it's still valid. Walls make the potential outcome much worse. I've not been there before, but if there are bad walls, it will prove once again that CCS doesn't care about the riders at all.

[RAY_HYMER]

Hey, Brian, there is a track day at the West track this Sunday.  Maybe you could go to Firebird and walk the Main track, or at least go check out the tower turn.  If you can get to the other side of the drag strip and look over the bleachers, you will be able to see most of the track.  

[hi-side_racing]

I've not been there before, but if there are bad walls, it will prove once again that CCS doesn't care about the riders at all.

You could say the same for every race org out there... the AMA has Daytona, Fontana, Sears Point, even Laguna has a wall, WeraWest at Vegas with the fence and Fontana, AFM has Sears Point... all have walls or something close near the track.

[digitalRoost]

true that....walls are not unheard of in the US, unfortunately. Still, from what I've been told by racers who have been there, Firebird is unacceptably dangerous even compared to these other tracks.

[hi-side_racing]

We all have to make the choice on each and every track whether we think its safe or not. I started racing on that track and much prefer it to the east one. I also love the west track, but it was deemed too dangerous to race on due to the limited run-off room, by CCS about 7 or 8 years ago.

CCS also ran Vegas backwards in an attempt to increase the margin of safety for riders, but somehow a couple of guys still made it to the fence. what can you do ?

There is inherent risk in everything you do. You can choose to mitigate it completely by not participating. That is your choice. However, I don't think its any more or less dangerous than any other track out there that has been mentioned.

And I am one of those guys that has been on that track alot.

[MZGirl]

Elaine, if you skip the race, you are going to hand Matt Buck the Ultralightweight class championship!!   :(  

I'm missing that race, the last Firebird East race, and 1/2 of Vegas anyways.  The 2 Firebird races conflict with Arroyo Seco, which has priority.  

[RAY_HYMER]

Good luck with your races in New Mexico.  I am very impressed about how you ride your MUZ.  See ya in Vegas! :D

[MZGirl]

You could say the same for every race org out there... the AMA has Daytona, Fontana, Sears Point, even Laguna has a wall, WeraWest at Vegas with the fence and Fontana, AFM has Sears Point... all have walls or something close near the track.

Arroyo Seco (ASMA race org) has no walls.  And they won't any time soon, since a motorcycle racer owns the track.  He won't put anything in the path that he himself could crash and hit while on a bike.

[cstem]

First off, let me say that I am a bit prejudiced here, but those that know me also know that I am fair and do not accept everything done by CCS as right- disclaimer over.  Also- when on this board I am not being paid by CCS ( I am contracted when I am at the track) and do not represent them or their views- disclaimer really over.

Digital Roost- please come see at the next race and tell me in person that CCS does not care about the riders. If that will be your attitude, I personally (not talking for CCS here) do not wish to see you race with us.  With an attitude like that you are a bad crash and lawsuit waiting to happen.-   I am very sure when I say that every single CCS offical and volunteer cares and does not want to see anyone hurt. When you can say that to the staff at the next race and look us in the eye while you say it- I will start to take anything you say seriously- Not cool man.

Next- Firebird Main, or big track.  In 20 years of working motorcycle events in the Southwest, less riders have been seriously hurt at the Main track than any other we run.  The crashes can be more spectacular (John Hiltons $25K RC30 highsiding into flames for one-anyone remember that?! :P) but the injuries less severe.  Also crashing does not just happen.  The track does not jump up and grab your handlebar and toss you to the pavement.  Crashes are made by racers and their machines.  I do not in anyway want to make light of someone being nervous about racing there- the walls can be scary, even if impact areas are protected.  Remember racing is not all about who has the fastest bike- it also comes down to skill- and even with the best of both- one must still have the comfort level to take them to the limit and beyond to win.  If you don't feel comfy racing there- no harm, but some do and will obviously capitalize on the points there, if only for once in the season.    I personally like to announce from there as the PA actually works and I can see almost the whole track.  And for those of you (like me) who complain of no spectators, or poor spectator facilities- this track is great for them. Places to sit and be close to the action and some great racing always takes place there.  I look forward to it, and will see most of you there!!

[RAY_HYMER]

I hope the loudspeakers are loud enough to hear your hilarious comments about me being "weight challenged" while I am winning the race!!   :o
 I agree with you on every point.  As far as the safety issue and CCS not caring, I have NEVER felt that your father would EVER jeapordize ANY racer's safety.  How soon they forget about Firebird East and the rain.  The race was red flagged not for any crashing, but because the conditions became unsafe.  Keep up the great work Dr. Stem!!  Oh, yeah, remind me when I see you about our newest feature:  THE RACE FOR THE YEN!!  You will get a kick out of it, and give you even more to talk about during the Unlimited Supersport race!!