Please Read and Be Aware On Track
 

This is not to sensationalize or scare anyone off the track, but it is important to understand unpredictable things do happen. So, as a lesson learned for all of us, please read the following post, I did ask Eric to write an article for us on this, and as soon as he finds the time he will do so and we'll post it in an appropriate forum as a reference

http://dorkiphus.net/porsche/showthread.php?t=25127:

Re: Please Read and Be Aware On Track
 

And, again, I do not like posting crash videos, but the following are some of the worst I have seen from the same race, they have been on the Internet for over 3 weeks with 5000+ views already. I am only posting them to strengthen the point in the first post:

Re: Please Read and Be Aware On Track
 

Excelent post!!
I'd seen the second video only.

Re: Please Read and Be Aware On Track
 

If I see the meatball/yellow-red stripe flag I usually slow down (off throttle or maintenance throttle until I am at 50% of prior speed) until after the next flag station. That is generally my concern- first station warns me of potential problem and I remain alert until I see a flagger with either the green displaying or no flag (indicated green depending on who you are running with). I have nothing to prove on a DE day...

Re: Please Read and Be Aware On Track
 

I think one critical mistake we all tend to make is, when we see a flag of any sort and then see the problem on the track, we automatically assume that is the problem without really thinking if there are additional problems or if things are still under development and we are right in the middle of that development. "Assumption is the mother of all $#@! ups." ;)

Re: Please Read and Be Aware On Track
 

HS! Both videos are eye opening, especially the 2nd. Man, what would you do if you saw a car coming sliding at you? All you can do it sit there and watch it happen....

When I see the debris flag, I slow as safely as possible to maybe %50 speed and then start looking for the debris, oil, or coolant on the track to drive around it.

Re: Please Read and Be Aware On Track
 

A couple points to add as to what I do when I encounter these situations.

1. I slow down to cool-down lap speed and constantly scan the surface. In other words...WAY SLOW!!!

2. I never assume that one visual result is confirmation of the flags. I am overly cautious the entire way back to the pits assuming that there is something EVERY FOOT OF TRACK the rest of the way in.

3. Lastly, and most important when you go back out......do NOT get back up to speed for a couple laps. Use that time to scan the surface and feel the grip level checking for any missed remnants of fluid, etc.. Also watch the body language of the cars around you as they will give you clues as well.

As far as the videos, I will refrain from comment :)

Re: Please Read and Be Aware On Track
 

Yeah, that's not good. Downright scary in fact. Thanks for the lesson.

What's almost as scary is slowing appropriately and almost getting rear-ended by the driver behind who figures a modest deceleration is all that's needed. Had that happen on more than one occassion.

Re: Please Read and Be Aware On Track
 

Can totally relate. another thing I do is throw my arm out the window with the "slow down" motion in a pretty demonstrative manner :beatinghead: