More on Track Safety

[SMILLER@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

It is good that this subject is being addressed and everyone is taking is
seriously.  My thoughts:

1.  Video games, like Gran Turismo mentioned by a few Digesters, can
help you see and hear what happens in an off-track incident, but will not
let you FEEL what it is like.  This is, however, a very good first step.

2.  A skid car, as mentioned by Keith Wollenberg, is better in that it does
let you feel what happens when one or more wheels lose traction. 
However, it won't let you HEAR what it sounds like to put one or more
wheels into the dirt.

Despite the problems mentioned by Keith, I still like the club-owned
beater-with-roll-cage-and-harnesses idea.  When practicing going off in
such a car, the exact location should be chosen to minimize the danger
of rolling or striking large, immovable objects.  Also, it can be done at
relatively low speeds (i.e. not as fast as if you were out doing "hot"
laps).  Spins on dirt can occur easily at the lower speeds, and still allow
the driver to SEE, HEAR and FEEL the sensations.  This activity doesn't
even have to occur at a track, it can be done in conjunction with Driver
Safety Schools which some Chapters require prior to allowing a driver
on the track.  It would, of course, require a Safety School location with
both pavement AND dirt, which many locations don't have.  

Obviously, my idea needs more refinement...

Scott Miller
Golden Gate Chapter
BMW CCA #44977

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