This is by far the worse part of the story. Unless you leave by ambulance, there's no excuse for this. I've always had a fear of being taken out at an event, much more than anything else. The ideas of fines for deliberate actions that cause major harm or major damage to another bike is interesting. Obviously a slippery slope, but everyone's gotta admit, they've seen some stuff out there that's WAY uncalled for. Bumping, taking out another rider from behind, oil plugs, all of this could fall under the "that's what to expect from racing" definition. Problem is folks, this is not racing, it's track days. ON a positive note, the clean up crew at Mid-Ohio was amazing. I know those guys are paid and the equipment is top-notch, but just the overall actions and quickness was amazing. We had a second oil spill on the front straight into turn one (grenaded motor, no one's deliberate fault) and the crew had a good 500 ft. of oil cleaned up within 20 minutes. And the track was SPOTLESS! We should rent these guys out to Pocono for the STT events there.
"While we're on the subject of safety items, I think it would be a wise idea to require the removal of license plates" License plates are already required to be removed, attaching bolts taped over or secured to the bike so it can not fall off. When I tech a bike I always recommend removing it so someone does not get hit with it, run over it or ride home without it. I also try to do a walking check of all the bikes in my group while they are lined up for the first session, just to catch the obvious things that were missed during tech inspection.
That's good to know, as there were an awful lot of bikes at Pocono with them on. Most didn't look taped, and that one was seriously flapping. Now that I know it's the rule, I'll certainly speak up when I see one. Jeez, it's 2, 4 bolts at the most, just take them off, people! Really, really dangerous if they fly off. Think ninja star. If it were to slice you in the throat, things could go really, really badly.
Hi all - First time poster, long time track rider. This thread has been an interesting read, and brings to light some common concerns of track riding in general. Personally, I have always though that the safety wiring of the oil drain plug, filter, and filler cap should be required for every person regardless of skill level who rides on a racetrack. I would also include the madatory removal of license plates and mirrors, and the exchanging of antifreeze for distilled water / water wetter. You can purchase pre-drilled drain plugs inexpensively from any dealer, and metal bands for the filter are available at any Home Depot for under $2. Granted, these precautions would not help in situations involving mechanical failures, however I would estimate that half the fluid incidents I've seen over the past decade began when somebody didn't properly secure something before heading out. If a rider does not want to put in the time/effort to take these minimal safety precautions to ensure their bike is properly prepared, they should not be permitted to ride on a track and put others at risk - simple as that.
Well said. Do dealers really stock pre-drilled drain plugs? I can't think of one dealer in my area that even knows what safety wire is.
i too was one of the first to be on the scene of the oil. i passed steph in t1 and thanks to looking through the corner, i was able to see smoke, which in my personal experience means oil. i immediately looked down and saw the small line of oil(nowhere near 3 feet wide) and checked up threw up a hand. i tried to get the attention of the flagger in the keyhole by throwing my hand up, can't really communicate via hand signals. by the time i got through the keyhole the snowball effect had ended and bikes were everywhere. crazy week. 3 oil downs. we had an oil filter come off during the AMA practice on thursday, safety wire broke and filter backed off. i am def. for wiring/rtving the oil passage areas.
Rich, Ed Bargy makes predrilled trackday kits for most sportbikes. Honda, Yamaha, Kawi, Suz. Dunno about Triumph. No Ducati stuff. He drills OEM drain plugs. The kit has everything needed to wire the drain plug, filler cap, and oil filter. Included are a drilled plug, filler cap, case bolt to wire the filler cap to, a clamp for the filter, and sufficient safety wire. Also included are instructions and things needed to disable your kickstand, as he requires that for his school. Well worth the money to me, as I don't have a drill press or even a vice. There are other sources for predrilled bolts. My Suzuki dealer drilled out the stock oil plug for me, so I'm sure that's something other dealers can do as well.
K&N filters have a nut with wire hole in it. I use them and personally trust something welded on better than a clamp.
Dealer can order them from a variety of catalogs. I've used Lockhart/Phillips drain plugs that come drilled for under $12.
I've always gotten predrilled ones, being under the impression you'd need a drill press? I have seen those holders for drilling. Perhaps one of these days I'll get ambitious and try it myself. It would ensure the hole is in the proper spot...
I've forgotten how many bolts and drainplugs I've drilled over the years, but I do know that for someone who's never done it before or doesn't have the tools available the L/P is a good alternative; that's why I suggested it. The other plus of the L/P drainplug is that many are available with magnets installed, so if your OEM drainplug doesn't come with one you get the added benefit. For those who would like more information on safety wiring, here are some good links that explain the process: http://www.rc51.org/wire1.htm http://www.sportrider.com/tech/146_0002_hand/index.html BTW, some 1/8" metal-purpose drillbits, a standard vise and steady hands are fine for drilling bolt heads.
Didn't realize about the 'verbal beating' that was going on. Good idea on Monte's part to keep them separated. Now that I think about his shoes, I can't imagine what it must be like to have to apologize in person, even with a checkbook in hand. I guess there's always the impression that someone at fault just walks away without remorse. Thanks for bringing up the other point of view. Now on to more important items: I thought the business was too busy for you to make it to the track? :wink:
This was partially my fault. Judy was observant enough to notice Mr Flappy Plate and made the effort to bring it to my attention. I was coaching INT and saw the guy, but never had the chance to follow up before other issues of the day consumed my time. My bad. I was also directly behind the Mid Ohio oil melee. Watched 3 people in the process of crashing and another right in front of me. It was pretty ugly (oxymoron?). I was unaware that anyone had been hurt in that incident. Is anyone willing to share the nature of their injuries?
No problem, Doug! Now that I know it is a rule that needs to be enforced, I'll be happy to go over to these guys with tools in my hand to remove the plates. Big ones, if persuasion is needed!
For the 20 minutes tops it takes to drill and safety wires the drain plug, filter & oil cap and add silicone to every oil containg bolt that can come loose, seems pretty easy to make it mandatory. Hell, that all you need besides proper numbers to get through AMA tech...
Yes, for you it may take 20 minutes, but for someone without any mechanical skill, tools, or knowledge it's much more difficult. Y'all gotta remember that there's plenty of riders out there with zero mechanical ability, and lots of N riders on street bikes who will maybe do one or two trackdays that may not be thrilled about drilling holes. (Which is why the wiring kits are a great idea) I'm not disagreeing with the point of this thread - I agree that requiring the wiring of the plug, filter & oil cap for everybody is a good idea, just remember that it's not pie for all. You'd be horrified watching me safety wire stuff and work on my bike. I can do it, but I'm excruciatingly methodical and slow because I haven't been doing it all my life.