Using the Force? - Drifting forum

Mr Bizzle · 30-03-2008, 22:05

The torrential rain during the top 16 made it dangeriously difficult to see at Round One. When i was twining with Tom, he ran a tight line into turn one and clipped the very large lake that had amassed - which covered my screen with water (while i was flat in 3rd) and i was quite litteraly blinded (which wasn't too much of a difference from having about 25% visability when chasing due to the spray/rain)

Not that it really massivly bothers me, im just interested in hearing other people's opinons on the subject as many folks i have spoken that ran that course commented on the potential dangers.

Anybody got any thoughts? If this happens again, should the event be put on hold and/or scrubbed? (i can understand the commercial argument against it, due to TV Coverage etc)

DriftLexus · 30-03-2008, 22:08

were you not at the drivers brief , where there was a unanimous decision to carry on driving.

Mr Bizzle · 30-03-2008, 22:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by DriftLexus

were you not at the drivers brief , where there was a unanimous decision to carry on driving.

Yes i was at the drivers brief mate. Please don't get me wrong, this is by no means a dig at anybody. The event ran, nobody got hurt and it was a bloody good laugh!

However, the rain did get a LOT harder between the drivers brief and the actual top 16 runs.

Jimthejunior · 30-03-2008, 22:10

I was on the start line aswel as running to and from the pits when on the main track. I suppose some would consider the conditions to be "dangerous". During the breifing before you lot went on the main track i was loading mikes tyres into my van and bob was commenting on the shit weather and how safe it would of been driving. As you mentioned and well know bizzle, there are massive reasons for and against cancelling. Obviously drivers safety is pretty much at the top of the list, but then theres also as you said, tv, the crowd, the drivers etc etc. Cause no matter what some drivers think there will always be people that will be pissed/moan if it was called of.

MJG · 30-03-2008, 22:13

Yeah the track owner was on about talking to Sweeps/Terry about cancelling it due to the grass being super slippy but IMO just drive to the conditions and if you don't like it then don't go for it. I only have one crap wiper and no heater, so I'm glad I wasn't running, but I don't see the difference in water spray and heavy tyre smoke so I think it's just one more thing to make it trickier. Big respect to those who managed to negotiate through the spray and rain and make their way to gangsta drifzzz.

Mr Bizzle · 30-03-2008, 22:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimthejunior

I was on the start line aswel as running to and from the pits when on the main track. I suppose some would consider the conditions to be "dangerous". During the breifing before you lot went on the main track i was loading mikes tyres into my van and bob was commenting on the shit weather and how safe it would of been driving. As you mentioned and well know bizzle, there are massive reasons for and against cancelling. Obviously drivers safety is pretty much at the top of the list, but then theres also as you said, tv, the crowd, the drivers etc etc. Cause no matter what some drivers think there will always be people that will be pissed/moan if it was called of.

Yup,
That's the bummer really mate - It's a total loose loose situation

sammysideways · 30-03-2008, 22:14

i wasnt there but imo some common sense should be used by organisers and drivers. i know as a driver id want to try and carry on regardless which is what i think chris is getting at and organisors have to use common sense even if drivers do want to drive. maybe in future few of the better drivers should go out for two laps to assess safety etc?

DriftLexus · 30-03-2008, 22:15

believe me, there was a hasty meeting had before the decision was made to carry on, we was monitoring the water as it rose, and had options in place to slow the track if needed

if at any time the drivers would have wanted to call it quits we would have pulled the plug

the commercial aspect, at no time came into the discussion, but the cost involved to the drivers did, if the event was to be rescheduled

Chris_200SX · 30-03-2008, 22:24

i for one wasnt prepared enough for the rain, but i agree with bizzle on the zero visability, i couldnt see bugger all my wipers were catching on my sunstrip which made them judder so they didnt clear all the way, i think thats what made me bottle it in the top 16.

when im planning for future events i will take all weather conditions into consideration

Crosshatch · 30-03-2008, 23:05

Yep,

When I was twinning with Mitch, I literally was guessing where the corners where!

Not very clever on my behalf, seeing as ive never driven that track before...

It was the reason I span on the last corner, because I misjudged where the corners was... not that im making excuses

But, we all got away safe.

manfoot · 31-03-2008, 01:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJG

Yeah the track owner was on about talking to Sweeps/Terry about cancelling it due to the grass being super slippy but IMO just drive to the conditions and if you don't like it then don't go for it. I only have one crap wiper and no heater, so I'm glad I wasn't running, but I don't see the difference in water spray and heavy tyre smoke so I think it's just one more thing to make it trickier. Big respect to those who managed to negotiate through the spray and rain and make their way to gangsta drifzzz.

tyre smoke and rain are worlds apart smoke doesnt afeckt stoping distances

MJG · 31-03-2008, 07:09

Stopping distances lol, no, that's why people don't go as fast in the rain

Mr Bizzle · 31-03-2008, 08:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crosshatch

It was the reason I span on the last corner, because I misjudged where the corners was... not that im making excuses

Same here, but on the first...
When tom hit that puddle, i couldn't see a bloomin thing. When it finally cleared i was too shallow and about to T Bone his door. Spino Spino to follow. Was a tad frustrated if you couldn't tell by watching me...

Baba · 31-03-2008, 10:48

I was not familiar with the track. I couldnt see shit. I was guessing the corners but guess what....

It just made it all the more exciting!

I absolutely loved drifting in that torrential rain

It was awesome!!!

Stop being so

if you're that scared of taking a few risks you shouldnt be drifting

Jord · 31-03-2008, 11:08

I think the point being raised was more about safety rather than risk taking or being a dangermouse.

madhammster · 31-03-2008, 12:52

From a start line point of view. I was giving a thumbs up to the drivers to see if they were ok and no one said a word. Myself and the other marshals were in comms with each other and the BDC team about the water on track. So we were looking out for you all the whole time. BABA made the best comment at breakfast in the morning. He slowed down and was having vision problems but loved it it was more fun. This is from the 4th place guy who went through a big puddle just to get a better line and soaked his air filter and nearly dropped out. If we did not think you can handle it we would have stopped the track striaght away. thats why am's did not run there was just to much water on the track. BUT the main thing is you GUYS and GALS have skills and a bit of water don't stop you WELL DONE. Thanks again

Sweeps · 31-03-2008, 13:14

Rainex + good heater + good wiper blades + balls(or not in Lou's case) - FTW YO!

On a serious note i told every driver on the start line to take it easy and get used to the conditions during practice, i then got complaints the startline was to close to the corner, as the driver got used to the conditions i slowly moved the startline back to an exceptable point.

It soon became clear that drivers were coping superbly considering the conditions, yes the rain got heavier and heavier (i know, standing there like a sponge) but the driving stayed at the same superb standard.

All in all i think it was the right desision to run the event, the BDC did cancel the AM's from running the top 4 battle on safety grounds due to the cars not being fitted with roll cages and the higher safety equipment.

Just my 2 pence worth for what its worth

Baba · 31-03-2008, 13:52

BDC made the right choice. It wasnt dangerous enough to cancel the event.

If the event had been cancelled there would be a lot of pissed off drivers moaning about it.

All is well that ends well and Round 1 ended Superbly

30-03-2008, 22:05	#1 (permalink)
Mr Bizzle Team DWYB Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Beaconsfield, Bucks Posts: 4,005	Using the Force? The torrential rain during the top 16 made it dangeriously difficult to see at Round One. When i was twining with Tom, he ran a tight line into turn one and clipped the very large lake that had amassed - which covered my screen with water (while i was flat in 3rd) and i was quite litteraly blinded (which wasn't too much of a difference from having about 25% visability when chasing due to the spray/rain) Not that it really massivly bothers me, im just interested in hearing other people's opinons on the subject as many folks i have spoken that ran that course commented on the potential dangers. Anybody got any thoughts? If this happens again, should the event be put on hold and/or scrubbed? (i can understand the commercial argument against it, due to TV Coverage etc)

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30-03-2008, 22:08	#2 (permalink)
DriftLexus BDC Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Germany....Now! Posts: 3,321	were you not at the drivers brief , where there was a unanimous decision to carry on driving.

30-03-2008, 22:10	#4 (permalink)
Jimthejunior Represent Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,820	I was on the start line aswel as running to and from the pits when on the main track. I suppose some would consider the conditions to be "dangerous". During the breifing before you lot went on the main track i was loading mikes tyres into my van and bob was commenting on the shit weather and how safe it would of been driving. As you mentioned and well know bizzle, there are massive reasons for and against cancelling. Obviously drivers safety is pretty much at the top of the list, but then theres also as you said, tv, the crowd, the drivers etc etc. Cause no matter what some drivers think there will always be people that will be pissed/moan if it was called of.

30-03-2008, 22:13	#5 (permalink)
MJG e30 of Death Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Derby, England Posts: 11,131	Yeah the track owner was on about talking to Sweeps/Terry about cancelling it due to the grass being super slippy but IMO just drive to the conditions and if you don't like it then don't go for it. I only have one crap wiper and no heater, so I'm glad I wasn't running, but I don't see the difference in water spray and heavy tyre smoke so I think it's just one more thing to make it trickier. Big respect to those who managed to negotiate through the spray and rain and make their way to gangsta drifzzz.

30-03-2008, 22:14	#7 (permalink)
sammysideways dorifto kingu! Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 7,423	i wasnt there but imo some common sense should be used by organisers and drivers. i know as a driver id want to try and carry on regardless which is what i think chris is getting at and organisors have to use common sense even if drivers do want to drive. maybe in future few of the better drivers should go out for two laps to assess safety etc?

30-03-2008, 22:15	#8 (permalink)
DriftLexus BDC Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Germany....Now! Posts: 3,321	believe me, there was a hasty meeting had before the decision was made to carry on, we was monitoring the water as it rose, and had options in place to slow the track if needed if at any time the drivers would have wanted to call it quits we would have pulled the plug the commercial aspect, at no time came into the discussion, but the cost involved to the drivers did, if the event was to be rescheduled

30-03-2008, 22:24	#9 (permalink)
Chris_200SX -NightWalkers- Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: S.Wales Posts: 1,223	i for one wasnt prepared enough for the rain, but i agree with bizzle on the zero visability, i couldnt see bugger all my wipers were catching on my sunstrip which made them judder so they didnt clear all the way, i think thats what made me bottle it in the top 16. when im planning for future events i will take all weather conditions into consideration

30-03-2008, 23:05	#10 (permalink)
Crosshatch -NightWalkers- Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Cardiff Posts: 1,301	Yep, When I was twinning with Mitch, I literally was guessing where the corners where! Not very clever on my behalf, seeing as ive never driven that track before... It was the reason I span on the last corner, because I misjudged where the corners was... not that im making excuses But, we all got away safe.

31-03-2008, 07:09	#12 (permalink)
MJG e30 of Death Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Derby, England Posts: 11,131	Stopping distances lol, no, that's why people don't go as fast in the rain

31-03-2008, 10:48	#14 (permalink)
Baba A Super Slider Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Essex Drifters Union Posts: 5,340	I was not familiar with the track. I couldnt see shit. I was guessing the corners but guess what.... It just made it all the more exciting! I absolutely loved drifting in that torrential rain It was awesome!!! Stop being so if you're that scared of taking a few risks you shouldnt be drifting

31-03-2008, 11:08	#15 (permalink)
Jord GRD Drift Club Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Peterborough Posts: 7,766	I think the point being raised was more about safety rather than risk taking or being a dangermouse.

31-03-2008, 12:52	#16 (permalink)
madhammster tail slider Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: leicester Posts: 122	From a start line point of view. I was giving a thumbs up to the drivers to see if they were ok and no one said a word. Myself and the other marshals were in comms with each other and the BDC team about the water on track. So we were looking out for you all the whole time. BABA made the best comment at breakfast in the morning. He slowed down and was having vision problems but loved it it was more fun. This is from the 4th place guy who went through a big puddle just to get a better line and soaked his air filter and nearly dropped out. If we did not think you can handle it we would have stopped the track striaght away. thats why am's did not run there was just to much water on the track. BUT the main thing is you GUYS and GALS have skills and a bit of water don't stop you WELL DONE. Thanks again

31-03-2008, 13:14	#17 (permalink)
Sweeps dorifto kingu! Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Boston Posts: 1,085	Rainex + good heater + good wiper blades + balls(or not in Lou's case) - FTW YO! On a serious note i told every driver on the start line to take it easy and get used to the conditions during practice, i then got complaints the startline was to close to the corner, as the driver got used to the conditions i slowly moved the startline back to an exceptable point. It soon became clear that drivers were coping superbly considering the conditions, yes the rain got heavier and heavier (i know, standing there like a sponge) but the driving stayed at the same superb standard. All in all i think it was the right desision to run the event, the BDC did cancel the AM's from running the top 4 battle on safety grounds due to the cars not being fitted with roll cages and the higher safety equipment. Just my 2 pence worth for what its worth

31-03-2008, 13:52	#18 (permalink)
Baba A Super Slider Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Essex Drifters Union Posts: 5,340	BDC made the right choice. It wasnt dangerous enough to cancel the event. If the event had been cancelled there would be a lot of pissed off drivers moaning about it. All is well that ends well and Round 1 ended Superbly