While the battle over the correct type of wire and cable continues by the big dogs over proper catch fence construction after the 'Dega crash, one has to stop and look at a phenomenon that happens at many short tracks across the country (world) to draw paying fans to the speedway; school bus racing.
Initially, I thought this would be a waste of time for us "real" racers. You know, why bother to watch a bunch of daredevil wannabees (aka knuckleheads) running over each other on a bet to see who's GMC, Ford or International running gear was top dog. In addition, many of these Crash-A-Rama or spectator type horse and pony shows do cause damage to the expensive racing surface on many occasions which does cause problems and accidents for the more expensive racers after these events take place.
But I have to admit, they are entertaining and that seems to be paying the bills in this day and age with racing costs continuing to spiral and fan counts down without these types of shows. These shows allow the non racer to have fun and be part of the show at the race track when they might not normally be able to afford to otherwise.
Then reality set in from a safety perspective. You have to remember that once you change the design and operation of any motorsports venue from its initial plan with the original modes of racing involved, all the dynamics change. From the speed and weight of the average late model, street stock or modified to the speed and weight of a school bus requires only grade school math to compute the difference. We're talking about local Saturday night events folks who come to the race track to have cheap fun, not nationally sanctioned high paying professional racing here. Unfortunately, the results can be just as disasterous if not more so when things go wrong. Indoor truck racing in a concert hall ring a bell?
These racers don't have the same safety equipment requirements of "legit" classes of race vehicles and the drivers still like to bump and run or dump their competitor in the lead just like they do in normal short track racing series. It's a wonder this type of accident has not happened before (or wasn't caught on camera) and put on You Tube. Until now.
Watch this clip of an accident at Columbus Speedway ( it could be your speedway too) and tell me if your action plan includes an emergency response to an accident of this type as these buses crash through the retaining wall and injure several fans. I think you might rethink or revise your racing activities or at least your safety plan, barriers and catch fences after this incident. Watch how the crowd finally gets it that there is a problem after seeing safety personnel scrambling to attend to the injured. Flying concrete and bus parts do leave a mark!
Thanks to the You Tube contributors for keeping it honest and real. All types of racing are fun and and competitive, but lets try harder to keep the paying customers safe to return for another day of fun at their local racetrack. Pay attention to the little details and plan for the worst. It'll pay off when an accident does happen and you are prepared to handle it with little if any chaos and positive results for all.
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