Donington Track Safety
Discussion
WestfieldBend said:
It is surprising they have moved the barrier closer.
However the new version is significantly safer than the old configuration.
The old configuration consisted of earth bank with some loose tyres in front of it. Making it likely that cars hitting it would be launched into a roll.
Plato's roll would not have happened with the new wall.
Probably need to extend the tyre wall both ways though as the BMW at the motors race day only just hit the the tyre wall rather than concrete.
I need to make this 100% clear - this new positioning of the wall is NOT safer. However the new version is significantly safer than the old configuration.
The old configuration consisted of earth bank with some loose tyres in front of it. Making it likely that cars hitting it would be launched into a roll.
Plato's roll would not have happened with the new wall.
Probably need to extend the tyre wall both ways though as the BMW at the motors race day only just hit the the tyre wall rather than concrete.
Straight on at craners at 130mph into a solid, no give, double concrete wall would be fatal.
I'm calling the MSA for an update this morning
Edited by woof on Monday 7th April 10:11
Of the course the positioning is slightly more dangerous as its slightly closer, I don't understand how they have been allowed to do this.
However overall it is a much safer arrangement that the previous one, the very incident you use to say how dangerous this new barrier is, Jason Plato's, would most probably have been a graze along the concrete wall.
Due to the angle of the wall in relation to the track, you will not impact it straight on, but at an angle. In such situations it is regarded as safer to have a wall or armco barrier.
I suspect the MSA etc. have already approved this new barrier as there is really nothing unduly dangerous about it.
However overall it is a much safer arrangement that the previous one, the very incident you use to say how dangerous this new barrier is, Jason Plato's, would most probably have been a graze along the concrete wall.
Due to the angle of the wall in relation to the track, you will not impact it straight on, but at an angle. In such situations it is regarded as safer to have a wall or armco barrier.
I suspect the MSA etc. have already approved this new barrier as there is really nothing unduly dangerous about it.
indigorallye said:
I noticed this photo, from Danny Walton (www.dwmotorportphotography.com) and thought of this thread.
Looks like they've put a 2 or 3 rows of tyres there but I don't think that's enough. Sean Edwards died hitting a similar concrete wall with a double row of tyres.
Edited by woof on Monday 7th April 19:14
andy97 said:
Wonder how the risk here comes to the risks at Oulton, Cadwell, Mallory or Castle Combe?
It is strange that they should move the barriers closer and everything should be done to make circuits safer, but I do think there are bigger risks at other circuits.
Personally I wouldn't race at Mallory but that's my choice. It is strange that they should move the barriers closer and everything should be done to make circuits safer, but I do think there are bigger risks at other circuits.
Oulton doesn't have concrete walls. And that's the issue with this change. I've actually clipped the wall on the other side of the track ! Wouldn't recommend it. It's the dead stop that a concrete wall. It doesn't give at all. Armco does give and it absorbs some of that deadly energy. Then you have issue like at Le Mans with Allan Simonsen's death. Armco but it couldn't give because their was a tree directly behind the impact. You don't ever want to hit a a large tree.
Couldn't get hold of John Symes at the MSA today. I'll try again tomorrow
andy97 said:
Wonder how the risk here comes to the risks at Oulton, Cadwell, Mallory or Castle Combe?
its interesting how we all see the risk at the circuits differently. I know a lot of guys that wont go to cadwell, but love Coombe, where as I see the risks at cadwell as accepatable ( and thats despite two big crashes due to mechanical failure at both barn and park), and think the risks at coombe are much higher.Agree, I won't go to Combe but do race and test at Mallory. I hadn't noticed the Donington changes until pointed out here but, whilst I race at Oulton, I have always been very nervous there. Edited to add, and I don't like Rockingham because there is no run off at the last corner before the pit straight, just the wall!
Edited by andy97 on Tuesday 8th April 22:41
Not good.
The MSA believe it's safe.
BTCC drivers have made a formal approach through Derek Warwick stating as they don't think it's safe and are looking for additional protection / barriers for this weekend.
I think everyone needs to kick up a fuss about this - send emails to your clubs and organisers. Send them the photos of the before and after below and it's pretty obvious that it is only "safe" up until someone has a big accident there and has a serious or fatal injury.
The MSA believe it's safe.
BTCC drivers have made a formal approach through Derek Warwick stating as they don't think it's safe and are looking for additional protection / barriers for this weekend.
I think everyone needs to kick up a fuss about this - send emails to your clubs and organisers. Send them the photos of the before and after below and it's pretty obvious that it is only "safe" up until someone has a big accident there and has a serious or fatal injury.
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