Page Motorsports in Key West
#151
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Over the past few days we've lost three really fine people in Offshore racing accidents in Key West. While we mourn their loss, I can't help but believe these tragedies might have been preventable. Racing always involves a risk, yet over the years, groups like UIM and APBA with the insight of Bob Wartinger, Ron Jones Sr, Jeff Neff, George Linder, Dave Vilwock, Mike Hanson, Scott Raney, Rich Luhrs... and others, we've developed safety standards in at least the Unlimited Hydroplane category that have been tested thru well over 100 accidents over 150 MPH. My crash in July was a direct T bone at over 100 MPH and both Dave Vilwock and I walked away. J.W Meyers hit the wall at Detroit at over 100 MPH and receievd a broken foot, and is back racing with us. These designs work. They are snug, with a top hatch and a bottom hatch. there is little room for extremity acceleration in a crash, we have HANS devices to protect our necks, full time air, multiple point harnesses, etc. The canopies used in Offshore racing face different loads and in my opinion, after 40 years of racing, aren't sufficient to meet the current speeds. They are too large, too much flat surface, and not enough structural support. We can do better, there are people in place that can make it better. As we mourn Bob, Jeff and Joey, let their deaths put a new emphasis on consolidating the safety expertise that is available and doing everything humanly possible to prevent future tragedies. Saying "it's just racing" or they "died doing what they loved" just doesn't cut it. I was with Joey Gratton and his kids in San Diego just 7 weeks ago, they didn't come any more professional, any more loving, any more of being the best at what he did. God, please take care of Joey and hold his family in your palm.
#154
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Join Date: May 2004
Location: https://t.me/pump_upp
Posts: 119
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X2 So true and well said. NASCAR fixed their safety problem and it is time Offshore Racing update it's safety requirements if they expect the sport to survive.
#156
Registered
Didn't sign on until later today and was slapped in the face with the news about another accident,
Very sad and a terrible week for offshore racing
Joey you will be in our prayers RIP
God Speed
Jim
Very sad and a terrible week for offshore racing
Joey you will be in our prayers RIP
God Speed
Jim
#160
Registered
RIP
My sincere condolences to family and friends..
My sincere condolences to family and friends..