2011 Thor Millcreek Spring Classic Safety Report Wrap Up
Just as important for the riders to rest and hydrate between motos, the track needs to be prepped regularly. If the track becomes fatigued itself, it is important to take the time to make those necessary adjustments. One thing that will all need to be aware of is it’s NEVER okay for a parent (NON-TRACK officials) to jump onto a track to yell, curse or harass a flagger. There was an incident at Millcreek that could have been avoided if spectators would understand the roles and responsibilities of the flaggers. If there is an issue, we encourage everyone, to bring any questions concerns, or complaints to the representative of the foundation. We understand many families have been in the sport for many years and are quite knowledgeable. Just like everything else, we must evolve our knowledge for safety and educate ourselves and riders of what each flag means and what to do when they are displayed. If the riders on the track don’t obey the flags then why are the flaggers even there?
The flaggers are a great asset to the riders and are there to ensure safety if or when there is an accident. In a situation where YOU may go down on the track, you HOPE that the racers behind you obey the flags to prevent a pile up or further injure a downed rider. We completely understand that everyone comes to RACE, but it is critical to keep the races safe, so we can keep racing and keep seeing the future of the sport at the races. Once again, we encourage everyone to please ask questions if they have. Please make sure your rider understands all flags and track rules before entering the gate, because once he’s off the line and a flag maybe displayed, the time he takes as he delays to try and remember what each flag means, is more time he’s delaying slowing down or focusing his attention to avoiding the caution.
On a lighter note, there were only compliments about the flaggers, which we love to hear! The Flaggers are commonly over looked and if you take a step back and really see the work the flaggers do throughout the week you’ll find a new respect. These guys and gals are at the track normally before many folks are even awake. They endure a long day in the different weather conditions, standing at a flagging position only to get relief for bathroom breaks. From first moto to the last, those flaggers are out there. Try to remember they are there only to help and do their best to keep the sport and riders safe.
Not every track is fortunate enough to have flagger present, it’s a great asset that we can’t take for granted. I feel that many parents see the importance of the Brett Downey Safety Foundation and what we are about, but the next step is to educate the younger riders. They are the future and we have to do our best to keep them safe so they can continue to do great and awesome things in the sport. We look forward to working at Millcreek again and hope while we’re away, they continue to strive to keep their facility safe.
This is Ricky Rickords with the Brett Downey Safety Foundation helping build safety awareness!
For more information on supporting the Brett Downey Safety Foundation programs, please feel free to visit our website, www.mxsafety38.org, or give us a call at 951-824-9494. You can also find us on Facebook.
About the Brett Downey Safety Foundation:
Established in 2004, The Brett Downey Safety Foundation is a non-profit organization lead by a volunteer staff. Its mission is to supplement the motocross community by increasing safety awareness of riders, parents, track owners and promoters to help make the sport of motocross as safe as possible by minimizing injuries and helping to preserve all motocross tracks.
