Sunset Results August-16th

[Drive32]

The thing you have to realize about the way the 4 funs are set up using a 4 or 5 point harness is the way they are attached and how the stock seat is used. With my car the race seat and belts are attached to the cage. I am sitting within my cage inside of a car, my cage could get pushed over 4 inches and I am going along with it with my seat and belts. A 4 fun has belts attached to floor and the seat is attached as normal street car seats are. Can you imagine if you were to get hit real hard and the seat let loose on the runner and pushed forward and your belts stayed attached to floor. You would crush your pelvis or midsection.

You're right, if anything happened and the hold on the runner let loose and it would not be a fun experience any longer. I totally see your point, seeing as I was involved in that hard head-on crash two years ago and I am pretty lucky I wasn't (and that the other driver wasn't) seriously injured, and with the wonderful thought of internal agony I am glad none of what you said happened.  I'm going to go on and defend me, myself and my car, by saying I'm a short person, the seat on the runner is as far up as it'll go (maybe one more notch on there it can move up one but...) and then I have the bar that goes from the rollbar across the back of the seat and to the side of the car right behind it, I swear, again, *I* am not going anywhere. Now that's just me, I have NO IDEA about anybody elses car. I am just saying what I know with my tank of a Ford and how I am with that car, that's all.

Linkback: https://www.canadianracingonline.com/smf/index.php?topic=8166.msg51108#msg51108

[Slammer]

I wouldn't normally respond to the safety debate but a couple of things that really get me thinking about this class are,
It has become significantly faster than it was when the class started, there are a number of drivers with a great deal of experience that are more than capable of hanlding the higher speeds and avoiding mishaps but there are MORE that are not. I watched that #3 just drive right into 99 with no attempt to miss it or hit the brakes from where I was standing and again he was involved in the Big one that ender their night.
For a class that is supposed to be Fun, 0 contact etc. I think it has got out of hand. If the class continues the fast 5 or so need to move up or move on.
I think if higher safety standards are mandated for next year the claimer rule needs to go, the claimer rule was set in place to keep cost down and keep it fun and still competitive, I didn't work anyway if it did I am sure somebody would have tried to by Marshalls Honda or Miles Nissan etc. but it never happened.

I like the class and there are 20 or so cars out there that are equally competitive and 5 or so that should be running with the 4 cylinders, watching Ashley leading that race was great and compared to the majority of the field 20 or so of them she should have won it, but you get the same charge from the same 3 or 4 cars that dominate that class and although you can argue that IS Racing, it may very well be but it is not 4 fun. Guys with that much speed and experience put the rest of that field at risk as much as the inexperienced driver does. There just needs to be some balance to keep it fun.
Thats my 2 cents.

For a class that was meant to inexpensive and fun it has become too large, and too quick to ignore the need for some basic safety equiptment, argue all the points you want about cost and blah blah blah just get it done.

I got turned into the backstretch wall last year head on and full speed and I have been in enough crashes that I knew I was going to get seriously hurt when it happened, when I bounced off the wall I got hit by another car going full speed that then tore the transmission and right front suspension rigth out of my car and spun me 360, I was still looking around wonder why I wasn't dead yet and I got hit again in the right door and drilled another 50 feet down the track.
Glenn thought I was dead, Terry who was flagging that night also thought I was dead, I jumped outa the car windmillin my arms runnin down the track to tear the kids head off that turned me.
My car was destroyed, left front corner was pushed back a foot, all my suspension on the front was bent and broken, it snapped both cast iron control arms in half, my transmission was broken in half with the diff hanging out, I won't even get into the damage on the rear of the car.
My car is 260 lbs over the minimum weight because of the skeleton built in this thing to keep me safe and it did it's job and the car was back as good as new 2 weeks later. I didn't even take an asprin for pain, I had bruises all over my chest and shoulders from my belts and a couple on my legs from smakin the dash but that was it.

This is what saved my ass

















Not a lot of money, just a lot of time and worth every minute of it.

Just something to think about, schitt happens and will happen out there, you may dodge it for years but if you continue to race in any class it is going to bite you one day and you want to walk away from it.
For me it isn't even worth the effort to debate it, don't take the chance..

Linkback: https://www.canadianracingonline.com/smf/index.php?topic=8166.msg51123#msg51123

[Drive32]

It has become significantly faster than it was when the class started, there are a number of drivers with a great deal of experience that are more than capable of hanlding the higher speeds and avoiding mishaps but there are MORE that are not. I watched that #3 just drive right into 99 with no attempt to miss it or hit the brakes from where I was standing and again he was involved in the Big one that ender their night.
For a class that is supposed to be Fun, 0 contact etc. I think it has got out of hand. If the class continues the fast 5 or so need to move up or move on.
I think if higher safety standards are mandated for next year the claimer rule needs to go, the claimer rule was set in place to keep cost down and keep it fun and still competitive, I didn't work anyway if it did I am sure somebody would have tried to by Marshalls Honda or Miles Nissan etc. but it never happened.

I like the class and there are 20 or so cars out there that are equally competitive and 5 or so that should be running with the 4 cylinders, watching Ashley leading that race was great and compared to the majority of the field 20 or so of them she should have won it, but you get the same charge from the same 3 or 4 cars that dominate that class and although you can argue that IS Racing, it may very well be but it is not 4 fun. Guys with that much speed and experience put the rest of that field at risk as much as the inexperienced driver does. There just needs to be some balance to keep it fun.
Thats my 2 cents.

As far as I remember, I thought that the Claimer rule already has been abolished because they wanted us to start putting in cages and racing seats in this year for preperation for next year... Maybe I was the only one at the drivers meeting or I have selective hearing... haha I don't know, anybody else remember being told this? Becuase I do... it was the night where the pictures of the cage and the seat mount were shown to us... Anybodddyy?

I know that the 4funs have gotten faster, and the need for saftey steps up a bit. There are the crazy drivers, that shouldn't even leave four fun because they are a danger to everybody else (like the 3 you mentioned, I DREAD having him in a heat with me or remotely close to me on the track...). And the crazies are part of the reason why I want to move out and up. I'm done racing fourfun after this year. Bigger and better things for me.

I do want to Win. Maybe they should've called the race after that second redflag... at least I was still in the lead. I knew I wasn't bound to stay in the lead, that's just what happens. But hey, it's my third top ten in a row. I don't care

Linkback: https://www.canadianracingonline.com/smf/index.php?topic=8166.msg51125#msg51125

[Donb]

Someone was asking as to where the Paramedics from the ambulance went to after making good and sure that Bob Mercer was taken out in the ambulance,??/   Well someone that "THINKS" they know "BETTER"  and that they took way too long in making sure that he was handled very carefully FIRED THEM AND BANNED THEM FROM THE TRACK....    The last features were run with only "FIRST AID" people handling the reins.   As for the person mentioning about the car removal?  The cars could not be moved until the Driver was deemed to be okay, in case he happened to pass away in the process. Thank GOD is was okay and is back home again.   Hope to see you back soon Bob and running again.   With only driving a four fun car for a short time, I have seen the need for batter cages and far more important better seats. They need to be seats that can have neck supports fastened to. That is what happened several times since the class first started. They need to follow the thunder cars and late model cars for safety.

Linkback: https://www.canadianracingonline.com/smf/index.php?topic=8166.msg51130#msg51130

[Hardcore Racing]

Don

I tried to read between the lines but not sure I am getting it. I did hear the ambulance crew had been told they were done for the night but they chose to sit in the stands in case they were needed.

I really get the feeling you have some solid information on this and tried to explain it in a encrypted way but it really isn't that clear.

- The crew removed Bob from the car and made sure the outside ambulance took him away?
- Somebody that thinks they know better chose to fire them because they didn't just yank him out of the car and took too long (with the reading between the lines part there is only one person at the track that could fire somebody)?
- They were told to leave the track and never allowed on property again (this seems to of happened to other people too)?

With all this talk of safety I would like to know what the hell is going on here. I can prepare my car as best as I can but I really want to know we have a ambulance crew ready and waiting plus I was under the impression you can't run unless they are there.

All I am asking for is some answers. I am not slandering anybody nor starting a smear campaign although I do suspect with your post Don you may be the next person asked to leave the property.

Linkback: https://www.canadianracingonline.com/smf/index.php?topic=8166.msg51139#msg51139

[Wild Bill]

Ok Ross is absolutely right, and Ashley he was figuratively speaking about it happening before your eyes. Is there a need for more safety? YES!!!!!! Is there such a thing as being to Safe?? NO!!!!!!!!!!. Now cages and seats are a great idea, I have yet to say no or bad talk this idea. Now the 15 is my old car. That car doesn't have a full cage but has probably the closest thing to a cage in the division. I always felt safe in it. Now the difference between me and Bob is probably about half a foot and close to 100lbs on me, he didn't have much room. Now if these cars had cages and seats then problem solved, adjust the seat mount and get a proper sized seat and boom problem solved. So thats my view on that. And so far luck has been on alot of peoples sides in this division and for the rest of the year i hope it stays there.

Next up on the note of Four Funs.....I would like to Personally thank everyone in that division who Complained there sponsors were not getting enough viewing time and that they wanted to race in front of fans and not race at the end of the night. Because of you our night ran till 1230 or so and we had to miss out on proper Thunder Car driver introductions and had the late model feature cut 10 laps short.
Also I would like to Thank those out there racing who were not using there heads and were trying to commit murder by causing these accidents for the love of god never move out of this division, I never want to see you people travel at a higher speed, it hurts thinking I share a road daily with you people.

Now my question is where did the Paramedics go  I'm sitting in the stands and I receive a text message from a friend saying she and 3 others were filling in because they had there first aid and CPR training and they had no idea where the Paramedics went. So now where did this situation go wrong Where were the speedway paramedics  

Now besides that it was a great night of racing, the Thunder drivers were awsome with one caution being created by a lapped car that does not understand lane choice(never mind its a trick comment your a lapped car there is no choice get low and stay there) Besides that there was great racing all the way through. I know Doucette got tangled in the wreck and managed from the back to I believe 4th in the end. Reynes had a great run as did Charlie Smith, gotta say that his best run this year even picking up a heat win. But The Cheque Casher Herb Walters was doing what the Team Shirts read Putting on the Show and Taking the $$$$$$$$$$.

Late models great racing again, your top 3 in points nose to tail for the last 5 laps or so it was some good racing getting to the front, to bad the race was shortened by 10 laps. It was nice to see CRO`s blackmagic come out and run, Tim seemed like he had alota fun and was even nice enough to be walking through the stands giving glow sticks away to some of the younger fans in attendance, hope you come visit again and hope to see you at the 300.

I hope Bob is doing well and maybe if hes on here and has news Wild Bill can give us an update on Bobs condition.

Linkback: https://www.canadianracingonline.com/smf/index.php?topic=8166.msg51140#msg51140

[rossevans30]

Someone was asking as to where the Paramedics from the ambulance went to after making good and sure that Bob Mercer was taken out in the ambulance,??/   ect ect...

If you are making a statement like that, you should be more clear. What it sounds like was that the rest of us were running without an abulance crew at the track. (was there not an ambulace out on the track at the thunder crash?)

Thats not a rumor you want to be starting unless its true. If it is, is should be made clear to the drivers.

I hope Wes takes the time to clear this one up.

Linkback: https://www.canadianracingonline.com/smf/index.php?topic=8166.msg51141#msg51141

[Racingfreak]

yeah there was still the st. johns medical crew there for the rest of the night the ambulance that showed up was there to take the injured driver to the hospital but no track owner would ever let there be racing without any medical team there and i think sunset was run really good saturday i was really pleased to see it run and to have the officials come to us before racing started and give us explanations on the way the flagging and scoring would be done was good on sunset. im pretty sure we will be back if there is a frosty and also thans ross for the candy even tho it wasnt urs lol and when me and sara come up i will definatley be there to help ya at the track anytime.

Linkback: https://www.canadianracingonline.com/smf/index.php?topic=8166.msg51145#msg51145

[bakstreethero]

Just want to say thanks to Ross Evans for giving us some candy to hand out to the kids. Class act that team is!

Thanks. But there is another person to thank. The candy was from 09 of Dan Price. He's had some bad luck this year and couldn't make this invitational because of a wedding. He passed on the candy to us to hand out.

I'm glad somebody's finaly chewing that gum!!! LOL

I'll be at Mosport and Kawarthas fan appriciation with lots more! and I may even bring more bicycles to give away to some lucky kids.



Linkback: https://www.canadianracingonline.com/smf/index.php?topic=8166.msg51146#msg51146

[Infield Lineup]

Just to clarify our track does not have St. John's Ambulance as our medical staff. 

Linkback: https://www.canadianracingonline.com/smf/index.php?topic=8166.msg51148#msg51148

[Racingfreak]

if the track doesnt have st. johns ambulance then why does ur track ambulance say st. johns on it??

Linkback: https://www.canadianracingonline.com/smf/index.php?topic=8166.msg51150#msg51150

[luggss]

Ash ur right i was there for that meeting.

Linkback: https://www.canadianracingonline.com/smf/index.php?topic=8166.msg51151#msg51151

[holland landing]

The question i have is why would i sink a 1000$ into a for fun car as some one mentioned when we have a $750 claim rule!!

Because your life is worth more than the $250 difference? Right?

If you can't get a caged 4-fun car built for under $750, you are either spending too much on parts, or trying to cheat. Like how much do you spend on the car to build? 300 bucks tops? 300 + 230 for a NEW cage = $530. Exclude the race seat from the claim. Who wants a seat that may not fit them anyhow?

  The $ 750 claim rule was suspended @ the drivers meeting where they announced the new safety measures and rules for the class .

 Heres what a car really costs .

  Scrap metal is about $ 175 a ton right now so if the scrapper pulls the rad and the catalytic converter off of it he will get around $ 300  total for the car you want for a racer so i will use that as a base price.

 The car has to be 15 years old for the class and in most cases it will be closer to 20 years old so here are a few of the things its going to need .

 Brakes , odds are your beater will need between $ 50 - $ 300 in brake parts ,pads , shoes , rotors , drums , master cylinder , lines etc etc . If there is nothing else on your car that is perfect your brakes better be . This is not a performance issue it is the # 1 safety issue on the car .

 Cooling , So you want to twist your 20 year old beater upwards of 6000 rpm odds are that either the rad , water pump , hoses etc on your old car are not up to the job , expect to spend $ 20 - $ 200 here . Again this is not about making it faster just making it live .
 
 Oil Leaks your car is  2 decades old expect to have to correct several oil leak's $ 25 - $ 50 for gaskets and silicone
 
Tie rods , steering . Since your car will probally have 200,000 or more KMs on it look for many of these parts to be wore out . It is important that your car goes where you aim it and is not wondering all over the track . Costs here will be between $ 20 - $ 200

 Suspension , bushings . Your hi mile car will need some attention here for sure . Those struts that have leaked all the fluid out are dangerous since holding the gas pedal to the floor while the car bounces wildly will end very badly . Even struts from the wreckers are around $ 80 .  Bushings with a 1/2 inch of play in them must be replaced as well Look to spend $ 80 to $ 200 here

 Fuel tank and pump , a marine tank with proper fittings and hi pressure fuel lines and clamps with a filter and a can around it is going to cost you about $ 100 . If you fabricate the stock pump into the tank  . If you use an in line pump from the wreckers add $ 50

  Window net , belts , fire extinguisher , seat and mounting kit .
 Seats are $ 200 - $ 300  and a seat mount kit is $ 77  Belts are $ 125 -  $ 140  Nets are $ 30 - $ 40 A good extinguisher is about $ 40

  I really don't care for the CSC cage but at $ 230 its OK . The last time i welded one up it took all day and about $ 50 bucks worth of hydro on my meter . If Ross will do it for a case of beer with decent welds i should be able to keep him busy all winter . Ralph at CSC wants $ 600 to weld up the kit in a well prepared car .
 I am skipping several items paint lettering numbers a bad CV joint etc etc etc and the $ 50 you will spend on fasteners and hardware a long with the 10 bucks for loctite . I also skipped all your time and the $ 200  you are going to burn driving around to get all this stuff in fuel . We still have not put a set of plugs cap and rotor on this beater so it will run decent .

 I can not build you a safe decent car for any where near $ 750

Linkback: https://www.canadianracingonline.com/smf/index.php?topic=8166.msg51152#msg51152

[bfe]

You guys need to look at the old thunder car min cage. very simple and inexpesive. It was on the last page of the rules up untill a couple of years ago but no one would dare run it.    One roll bar, two door bars down past your legs, one pass. door bar and one on each side going to the back.

Linkback: https://www.canadianracingonline.com/smf/index.php?topic=8166.msg51155#msg51155

[Infield Lineup]

Racingfreak, that ambulance is very very old and has been at the track many years.  I believe the medics that were there saturday night were from the Orillia area.  I know that Jay, our usual medic works out of the Toronto area.  All are trained paramedics.  I can see where you might think it was a St. John's crew, but I can assure you its not.  I believe it may be an old St. John's ambulance, but it doesn't have St. John's on it.  I have worked there for 7 years and its been there longer than I have!   

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