Discussion
Joe911 said:
I was directly opposite when his car ran him over.
His own car ran him over
Do historics have to have seat belts retro-fitted?
No .. if you roll one of those things the best thing that can happen is that you get thrown out - no rollover protection you see - Willie was just unlucky that he happened to land in a place his car was arriving at a little later.
As mentioned above he ran very wide at Woodcote - you could something major was going to happen as the Marshals ducked for cover - hit the bank and was spun back out oto the track being thrown out by the impact.
What was Willie driving?
Incidentally top bloke, got some hints and tips from him at Spa on one occassion, very helpful to a newbie. I paid particular heed to the keeping out of his way bit, not that he was going to have too much trouble getting past whatever my level of co-operation.
Incidentally top bloke, got some hints and tips from him at Spa on one occassion, very helpful to a newbie. I paid particular heed to the keeping out of his way bit, not that he was going to have too much trouble getting past whatever my level of co-operation.
Yes it was a 50's Maserati.
I was marshalling at the chicane, and was one of the most frightening incidents that I’ve seen – but probably more scary for my friends / colleagues who were positioned on the outside of the circuit at the time! Was very impressed by how the other drivers reacted – they all backed off very quickly which was vital with Willie and marshals in the middle of the track. Methanol being everywhere was a big concern - nasty stuff.
With regards to belts, my personal view is that belts and open top cars without roll bars is not an option. We had a Jag C Type roll a couple of years ago, and the driver would have been in very serious trouble if he had been tied in (pretty lucky to survive anyway).
I was marshalling at the chicane, and was one of the most frightening incidents that I’ve seen – but probably more scary for my friends / colleagues who were positioned on the outside of the circuit at the time! Was very impressed by how the other drivers reacted – they all backed off very quickly which was vital with Willie and marshals in the middle of the track. Methanol being everywhere was a big concern - nasty stuff.
With regards to belts, my personal view is that belts and open top cars without roll bars is not an option. We had a Jag C Type roll a couple of years ago, and the driver would have been in very serious trouble if he had been tied in (pretty lucky to survive anyway).
I wasn't trying to blame Willie for this or any previous accident at Woodcote. I was actually standing at Woodcote when he collided with Justin Law and I can assure you that most of the blame for that incident lies firmly at the door of Justin.
There have been a few close calls at Woodcote since the Revival began - that's why its my favourite spectating spot (only kidding) )
There have been a few close calls at Woodcote since the Revival began - that's why its my favourite spectating spot (only kidding)
)OK - latest from Mrs WG is that Willie had a miraculous escape considering, coming out with a broken toe & no internal injuries even though his car went over him. However as he was being thrown out of cockpit, his legs were obviously under the dash & his knees were "inversed" as he came out (that sounds bloody painful to me) & as a consequence, it could be many months before he will be able to walk normally again.
Sounds like Willie needs to say, "enough's enough" & hang up the competing boots, maybe sticking with instruction only.
Speedy recovery Willie & best wishes from all PHers who've had the pleasure to meet/know you over the years.
Sounds like Willie needs to say, "enough's enough" & hang up the competing boots, maybe sticking with instruction only.
Speedy recovery Willie & best wishes from all PHers who've had the pleasure to meet/know you over the years.
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