Serious incident at Oulton Park trackday
Discussion
Taken from the No Limits facebook page
I was there and it was the most serious incident I can ever remember on track. The track was closed from 10.30ish when it happened and was still closed when I left at 1pm.
Three ambulances, two Air Ambulances and four police were present, along with all other onsite medical facilities.
Lots of rumours, but none confirmed as of yet. Would be best to avoid any speculation.
GWS to those involved.
No Limits said:
Serious Incident today at Oulton Park
I apologise to any customers who was inconvenienced after the circuit was closed this morning due to a serious multiple bike incident and the trackday cancelled.
We had a situation that involved 2 bikes in fast group colliding at Turn 13, City Hall. (Between Knickerbrook and Druids) which left the riders and bikes down on the circuit after a fast blind corner. Unbeknowing to the riders following they exited the fast blind corner and straight in to the stricken bikes. Which caused a 5 bike incident. I am waiting for updates from the emergency services and staff at circuit but we have confirmed at least 3 riders critically injured.
The circuit is closed and a full investigation has already started by the police and the H&S executive. I will bring you further information as I get it.
To any family or friends of the riders today, We convey our deepest sympathies to you in this extremely worrying time.
We are working with the authorities and circuit to bring the facts of this matter as soon as possible. Until then, please check our status for updates.
Again, sincere apologies to all riders affected today as we had no option due to the seriousness of this unprecedented freak accident.
To clarify, this is the first time we have had such a serious incident which has involved so many riders. We also believe this was a freak accident in a undersubscribed fast group at Oulton Park today.
Just a couple of points. It was at Hilltop (as you exit the Britten's chicane) not on Clay Hill (mistyped as City Hall on No Limits comments above).I apologise to any customers who was inconvenienced after the circuit was closed this morning due to a serious multiple bike incident and the trackday cancelled.
We had a situation that involved 2 bikes in fast group colliding at Turn 13, City Hall. (Between Knickerbrook and Druids) which left the riders and bikes down on the circuit after a fast blind corner. Unbeknowing to the riders following they exited the fast blind corner and straight in to the stricken bikes. Which caused a 5 bike incident. I am waiting for updates from the emergency services and staff at circuit but we have confirmed at least 3 riders critically injured.
The circuit is closed and a full investigation has already started by the police and the H&S executive. I will bring you further information as I get it.
To any family or friends of the riders today, We convey our deepest sympathies to you in this extremely worrying time.
We are working with the authorities and circuit to bring the facts of this matter as soon as possible. Until then, please check our status for updates.
Again, sincere apologies to all riders affected today as we had no option due to the seriousness of this unprecedented freak accident.
To clarify, this is the first time we have had such a serious incident which has involved so many riders. We also believe this was a freak accident in a undersubscribed fast group at Oulton Park today.
I was there and it was the most serious incident I can ever remember on track. The track was closed from 10.30ish when it happened and was still closed when I left at 1pm.
Three ambulances, two Air Ambulances and four police were present, along with all other onsite medical facilities.
Lots of rumours, but none confirmed as of yet. Would be best to avoid any speculation.
GWS to those involved.
MK3 Dan said:
There facebook comments suggest that a rider has passed away.
RIP if so, thoughts to family and friends.
Not something that is thought of when booking a trackday!
Which bit of "would be good to avoid speculation" suggested that we should speculate?RIP if so, thoughts to family and friends.
Not something that is thought of when booking a trackday!
Even if it turns out to be true, it's still speculation at this stage.
LoonR1 said:
Which bit of "would be good to avoid speculation" suggested that we should speculate?
Even if it turns out to be true, it's still speculation at this stage.
Yeah, that's why I opted for the 'if so' comment.Even if it turns out to be true, it's still speculation at this stage.
The more you see the more it seems likely.
I wish not as much as anyone, not something that you want to happen.
It is, in my opinion, a significant flaw with the whole concept of trackdays. Trackday drivers / riders just aren't used to looking for flags.
This may or may not have come into play here but the fact that three more riders became involved in the initial accident an undisclosed period after it happened suggests awareness could have been an issue.
I wish those involved a speedy recovery.
This may or may not have come into play here but the fact that three more riders became involved in the initial accident an undisclosed period after it happened suggests awareness could have been an issue.
I wish those involved a speedy recovery.
HustleRussell said:
It is, in my opinion, a significant flaw with the whole concept of trackdays. Trackday drivers / riders just aren't used to looking for flags.
This may or may not have come into play here but the fact that three more riders became involved in the initial accident an undisclosed period after it happened suggests awareness could have been an issue.
I wish those involved a speedy recovery.
No flags. The marshall post is there, but empty courtesy of MSV choosing to reduce the number of marshalls in favour of lights, which are nowhere near the incident.This may or may not have come into play here but the fact that three more riders became involved in the initial accident an undisclosed period after it happened suggests awareness could have been an issue.
I wish those involved a speedy recovery.
No Limits make a point of their distinct unhappiness in the lack of marshalls in all briefings.
LoonR1 said:
No flags. The marshall post is there, but empty courtesy of MSV choosing to reduce the number of marshalls in favour of lights, which are nowhere near the incident.
No Limits make a point of their distinct unhappiness in the lack of marshalls in all briefings.
Marshals are required at that post. It's a blind, high speed curve. I find it almost unbelievable that the track could open with that post unmanned. No Limits make a point of their distinct unhappiness in the lack of marshalls in all briefings.
Awful news Loon. We all know the risks but if its proven that the blind hill/crest was not marshalled or signalled, and there was a sufficient gap between the initial pair of fallers and the second group to have slowed them down by such means, there should be hell to pay.
I've witnessed a couple of fatalities at track days but thankfully (if possible) just a single rider accident.
Hope all make a full and speedy recovery.
Steve
I've witnessed a couple of fatalities at track days but thankfully (if possible) just a single rider accident.
Hope all make a full and speedy recovery.
Steve
HustleRussell said:
Marshals are required at that post. It's a blind, high speed curve. I find it almost unbelievable that the track could open with that post unmanned.
It's Hilltop (just after the first chicane) not Clay Hill (Paul at No Limits has put the wrong info on the post). Still a fast blind crest. The difficulty is it's taken flat in 2nd / 3rd and moving to 3rd / 4th and the front goes airborne / light, so very difficult to shed speed there if there's something after the unsighted crest.That's a bit of a strange place to have a crash. Probably would explain the lack of a marshal at that post ( although I don't agree with the post being empty ) It would be very hard to avoid something if it was on the knicker brook side of the hill + not much run off either side of the track at that point.
Very sad news hope the riders are ok.
Very sad news hope the riders are ok.
3DP said:
I hope all injured parties recover quickly and fully. Loon - glad to hear you weren't involved although that is no consolation for those that were.
Thanks. I wasn't out on track just needed to get the bike noise tested and caught up with a few of the guys there. Not a nice atmosphere and some very shaken up riders afterwards. Latest update:
No Limits said:
Update, Ref; Oulton Park incident today.
I have just been officially informed of a update. Its with the deepest of sorrows, No Limits Trackdays are tasked with the duty to confirm that the incident involving 5 bikes at Oulton Park has resulted in the death of one of our customers.
A further two riders are critical but not thought to be life threatening. One of the riders is undergoing an operation now. I will keep this subject updated.
We offer the family and friends of the deceased rider our sincere condolences. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
(please refrain from posting speculations as this is now in the hands of the authorities and is an ongoing H&S executive and Police investigation, Again, apologies for customers inconvenienced today when we had to cancel the remainder of the trackday)
Confirms what was already known, but a request not to post speculation again on their page. I'd ask that we do the same if possible.I have just been officially informed of a update. Its with the deepest of sorrows, No Limits Trackdays are tasked with the duty to confirm that the incident involving 5 bikes at Oulton Park has resulted in the death of one of our customers.
A further two riders are critical but not thought to be life threatening. One of the riders is undergoing an operation now. I will keep this subject updated.
We offer the family and friends of the deceased rider our sincere condolences. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
(please refrain from posting speculations as this is now in the hands of the authorities and is an ongoing H&S executive and Police investigation, Again, apologies for customers inconvenienced today when we had to cancel the remainder of the trackday)
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