Waving Yellows

[boltonite]

There has been forum chatter about the recent racing incident at Lime Rock during an SCCA National event. A T2 Lotus had spun exiting T4 and was hit head-on by a Spec Miata whose view of the Lotus was blocked by traffic . . . the flagger at T4 was vigorously waving a yellow flag but apparently the driver missed it since he pulls out to pass after the flag station. The miata literally flipped over the Lotus and the driver suffered a fractured vertebrae; the Lotus driver was unhurt.

So, if you miss a waving yellow your next best hope is a H&N device, a well mounted seat, harnesses that are cinched tight, and a good prayer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlHfGGgTVsc

-FF

[breakaway500]

Very graphic video. The brake lights appear just before impact. Amazing what in car videos are able to show the world.

[6PAK72]

Holy shit.

[TroyV]

Is there any info if the driver of the Miata was wearing a HANS?

[boltonite]

Is there any info if the driver of the Miata was wearing a HANS?

Yes, he was but the HANS only works as long as your shoulder harnesses don't slip off the HANS during impact - the older model HANS did not have a great lip on the yokes, which is why 2" wide belts are recommended for use w/ HANS, HMS/Joe Marko can explain this in gory detail. In any case, the driver is reported to have said he thinks the HANS saved his life, it was an extremely violent flip/wreck.

For more info, check out the SCCA forum thread: http://sccaforums.com/forums/1/372172/S ... spx#372172

-FF

[cuda6666]

At that particular corner, a waving yellow is useless unless the incident is at least half way down no name straight. I assume (kindly) that the Lime Rock flagging crew has a protocol for asking for a waving yellow at the previous flag station in cases like this, and that the accident occurred before this could be accomplished.

[boltonite]

At that particular corner, a waving yellow is useless unless the incident is at least half way down no name straight. I assume (kindly) that the Lime Rock flagging crew has a protocol for asking for a waving yellow at the previous flag station in cases like this, and that the accident occurred before this could be accomplished.

That flag station is virtually invisible when approaching T4 - Lime Rock definitely could improve its safety, it is one of the most dangerous tracks in the northeast, imo. You may recall a nasty pile-up 3 years ago, a couple of cars almost hit the tow truck and crew after a car went off in T3 and then came back on barfing fluid on the racing line http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXtUEyYLTCA

-FF

[brucesallen]

more photos
http://www.apexspeed.com/forums/showthr ... post222432

[offcamber09]

Ken Payson is a National caliber very experienced driver- tough situation- but he's got to own up to this one. Hope his recovery goes well.

[chaos4NH]

Fred has a good point. That turn was the closest I have come to a multi car pile up during COM days. That last time we ran a car lost oil/coolant on the approach to the corner and I can remember sliding through the grass waiting for someone to hit me. Ted STI was right behind me and was in the middle of the melee. Tough corner to see the flag at.

[cuda6666]

There's an echo in here

[geoffm]

ouch

[jimmacsrx7]

Fred has a good point. That turn was the closest I have come to a multi car pile up during COM days. That last time we ran a car lost oil/coolant on the approach to the corner and I can remember sliding through the grass waiting for someone to hit me. Ted STI was right behind me and was in the middle of the melee. Tough corner to see the flag at.

I remember that one!! I got sideways and saw you two in my rearview mirror going off and dirt going everywhere...

[geoffm]

y dont u guys just make it that if theirs any kind of yellow u guys just slow down and throw that lap out ? and if theirs a yellow in one corner y dont u guys make it that the station before the station with the crash have a yellow out too? arnt u guys only running aganst the track not each other ?

[nhsilversti]

y dont u guys just make it that if theirs any kind of yellow u guys just slow down and throw that lap out ? and if theirs a yellow in one corner y dont u guys make it that the station before the station with the crash have a yellow out too? arnt u guys only running aganst the track not each other ?

problem #1, we were not on the clock it was practice

#2 couldnt see the flagger until after we spun.

ted