Pit Vehicle vs Race Car Right of Way

[Sean Marconette]

This weekend on Saturday at Heartland Park there was a serious accident regarding a racer on their way to the staging lanes. A truck t-boned the race vehicle and the racers vehicle was badly damaged. It seems everyone while at the track forgets the racers should have right of way to get to and from the lanes and back to their pit space. We almost got hit from a person pulling their trailer while on the way to the staging lanes as well. Do not take for granted that someone is looking out for you and is paying attention. I know it's common sense but there seems to be a lot less of that with everyone's entitlement these days.

Be safe and have fun at the track this season!

Sean

[HandOverFist]

Bowling Green is a nightmare at times with pedestrians, golf carts, personal vehicles and pit bikes...even on pit road.

[fastlane]

Driving in the pits is more dangerous then driving in a shopping center parking lot. There are people and kids driving around on golf carts and atv and utv that have no idea what they are doing acting like it is a play ground.. People do not realize that when you are in your race car you have very limited vision other then right in front of you and drivers in motorhomes and trucks and tow vehicles also need more room and have limited visibility. Everyone must be alert and stay far away from any race car moving in the pits. Be extra careful

[cicero819]

I know I'm going to get someone mad but here goes, when driving any vehicle you must use caution. I've seen many racers thinking that they're to important for the show that they must drive like stupid idiots. If you waited to long to come to the staging lanes then it's your fault. This is something you see at divisional, national and your local track. You're not the show, so slow down and try not to kill anyone or damage other racers car. Don't forget spectators also paid for the privilege to view the show without expecting to be run over my an ahole.CR

[HandOverFist]

Originally Posted by cicero819

I know I'm going to get someone mad but here goes, when driving any vehicle you must use caution. I've seen many racers thinking that they're to important for the show that they must drive like stupid idiots. If you waited to long to come to the staging lanes then it's your fault. This is something you see at divisional, national and your local track. You're not the show, so slow down and try not to kill anyone or damage other racers car. Don't forget spectators also paid for the privilege to view the show without expecting to be run over my an ahole.CR

Not exactly how I view it at all. Spectators pay for the privilege of "viewing" the event...not to block pit road with their bodies or golf carts. Most won't even swing off the pavement for approaching vehicles. Nothing like burning your car down on pit road trying to get to staging or back to your pit space after a run...

[Mark Markow]

another issue is cars being towed back on the return road , i feel they should move over for a running car being driven back. but usually they go 5mph right down the middle,

[SStockDart]

Originally Posted by Sean Marconette

This weekend on Saturday at Heartland Park there was a serious accident regarding a racer on their way to the staging lanes. A truck t-boned the race vehicle and the racers vehicle was badly damaged. It seems everyone while at the track forgets the racers should have right of way to get to and from the lanes and back to their pit space. We almost got hit from a person pulling their trailer while on the way to the staging lanes as well. Do not take for granted that someone is looking out for you and is paying attention. I know it's common sense but there seems to be a lot less of that with everyone's entitlement these days.

Be safe and have fun at the track this season!

Sean

Topeka can be dangerous going to staging lanes. It is a long ways and you try to get enough speed to get over the hill.....then coast into the lanes.

[RKelliher]

I have noticed that people walk through the pit down the center and won't move over for race cars going to staging or going back to their pit spot.even with open exhaust they don't move. so a few years ago i installed a horn in my car.It works great

[Tom Moock]

Sean, did they have the road course open? Safest way to staging lanes from the back pits.

[Sean Marconette]

Hi Tom,
Myself and several others were pitted North of the tech building, The road course was open, as I saw a few cars using it it to bypass the regular route. The accident was on the main road going to the staging lanes and 1 side road to the south of the tunnel.

The accident at Topeka was not a dented fender but a badly damaged race car. If it was a golf cart or scooter that was hit the outcome would have been on the news as a fatality at a drag race.

Everyone has their opinion on who has right of way, being safe and not ruining someones property and having some awareness is why I posted this to begin with. There is no doubt, safe speeds should be followed, and looking out for each other should be a high priority.

Sean