As discussed on a previous thread in a local paper today, ideas are being brought forward with another chicane being made, with a choice of previous to Station corner or University Straight
I am sure that it is in the best interests of the riders but, it would seem a case of somebody or bodies do not know what they want, or why they want it.
Could someone from the Coleraine club shed more light or explain who, why, where, what or when?
I don't know if the comments ref station chicane are true or not,but after the serious accident that happened there last year,a risk assessment which a club is required to do would highlight a serious risk at that point on the circuit.
I have been very critical of the way that the Mathers cross issue has been handled,and will continue to do so,but if there is an issue at station and it is dealt with in the appropriate manner then the club should be given the credit for that.
Let us not forget about the governing body of the sport,the MCUI who have not shown much leadership in recent weeks,but then what would you expect from a bunch of yesteryear men.
Road racing is for changing,let us hope that it is not to late to save it from the clutches of the HSE,and all those that are out to destroy it.
Let us also hope that the NW200 this year is about racing, and not hospitality and grid interviews,after all if the press want they could get their interviews in the paddock.
Eight hours road closing time,six races,surely something wrong.
I think the best way is to increase the run off areas where possible, remove banks, hedges, trees, sheughs etc, and only if this can't be done then put in a well designed chicane.
The government says there is plenty of money unspent.
May the local paper got their story from here. Its not the first time that's happened.
Not being a rider or having been one, I wonder about chicanes?? If memory serves me right it was rider protest at Tandragee that had the chicane modified to be quicker; now would any of the accidents which have highlighted the chicane argument have occured if the originally planned tighter chicane had been imposed? criticise this if you must that it is now in retrospect but we are saupposed to learn from history.
There have been suggestions that riders should be asked for recommendations on changes to the course and if rider protest at Tandragee would be anything to go by what would we be left with adding this chicane to NW 200???
I am sure that those who are criticising the 'has beens' (in their language) have not considered that decisions are based on rider safety which is paramount to the future of our sport.
I love this sport, my first U.G.P. 1948, when it was The Grand Prix of Europe and wish to continue my enjoyment, I have attended too many funerals of good blokes whom I knew well.
I do not sit on any committees connected with the sport and my contribution is based on logic which I hope is honestly translated, therefore this is truly an unbiased opinion.
It is my understanding that the MCUI ( Ulster Centre) does NOT have an active Roads Inspection Committee elected at this time. This is possibly/probably down to the Tandragee situation. This basically means that the unelected body known as the Health & Safety executive have the power over what is or is not going to happen to road racing ( which we all know they would dearly love to stop ).
I am not made of the same stuff as Big D. I have lost three good friends to the sport through injury and another six that have been killed. That's why you don't see me around anymore. I still think road racing is one of the most exciting sports and I defend your right to enjoy it even if I find I can't to the same degree I used to.
If you have any questions regarding chicanes at the NW200 why not call this number\; Tel: 028 7035 5800. It's the race office, I'm sure they would love the chance to get the facts right.
