Santa Rosa Mile LIVE

That "guard rail" is insane. At least cover it with plywood or something. I can't speak for JU but I cringed the whole time I was watching. My wife even said, if they can barely see and get "moved" into that guard rail wouldn't that be like a death sentence? Bit dramatic but you get the point. I just really don't get how they race there in those conditions. On the other hand the people suit up and take the green flag. Think it was Mongo who said sometimes you have to protect racers from themselves. I'd also like to throw this out there, I have no idea if the tragedy could have been avoided or not, I am not able to replay it but I'm speaking in general of the conditions I observed. It also could have been better or worse from a riders perspective as well, I'm just stating what I consider the facts from my point of view.

 

In other news, rest of the paddock are going to have some work to do. http://superbikeplanet.com/2016/Sep/160926b.htm

 

Prayers for her, her family, and her friends.
So very sad.

 

RRW has a separate Air Fence Fund for dirt tracks.

 

They've both passed now. Sad day... RIP racers.

 

And the track is still on the schedule for next year.

 

I haven't heard anything about 2017 schedule yet???

 

I just read that Kyle McGrane died as a result of injuries sustained in a separate crash on Sunday. I would hope 2 deaths at the same track/weekend would bring about some review of what it takes to safely race on a track like that. I wont even get into the pipe railing that circles the entire track.

 

Sounds like that will get worse next year as they plan to run at more horse tracks. They at a minimum need to line that with some line Delrin sheets, I think most of us have seen the luge incident in the Olympics. Not 100% the same but the principle is. Most racers will race on anything, the organizers need to do their best to save them from themselves. I think it's great adding new venues but do it properly. I'm going to make a donation to the flat track AFF today, at least they care about safety.

 

I just found out that Kyle used to race supermoto with us (ESMRA) years ago. Good kid and my heart goes out to his family.

RIP #99...

 

AMA Pro racing finally acknowledged the death of the 2 kids. I just got an email




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 27, 2016) - AMA Pro Racing is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of professional flat track riders Charlotte Kainz and Kyle McGrane, and extends heartfelt condolences to their families.

Kainz and McGrane were involved in separate racing incidents during last weekend's AMA Pro Flat Track race in Santa Rosa, Calif. Emergency responders were on the scene within seconds of each incident and the riders were transported to Memorial Hospital in Santa Rosa where they succumbed to their injuries.

"The flat track community is tight knit, and today we are all mourning," said Michael Lock, CEO of AMA Pro Racing. "Charlotte and Kyle were talented competitors with bright futures. Our deepest condolences go out to their families and friends in this time of need."

​

Charlotte Kainz, 20, from West Allis, Wis. earned her professional license in Pro Flat Track in the GNC2 class during the 2015 season. The beloved rider won her first GNC2 Semi this year at the Black Hills Half-Mile and brought smiles to the faces of everyone she met in the paddock.

​

Kyle McGrane, 17, joined the Pro Flat Track ranks in the GNC2 class last year and showed promise both on and off the track. McGrane was born in Gap, Penn. but had a growing fanbase nationwide with Main event appearances and a Heat race win at the 2016 Law Tigers Arizona Mile.

 

FB post by JD

Jd Beach
1 hr ·
This is a bit long but please take the time to read and share.

While many believe it’s been a rough week in the world of AMA Pro Dirt Track, it’s been a tough season. Protests, Appeals, and unacceptable track conditions have plagued the series and I believe that AMA Pro Racing needs to take a step back and look at the big picture, the program they run, and the people they have running it.

Because of my Road Racing obligations I was only able to compete at two nationals this year. During those two races I felt as though I was treated poorly, or at least below the stanards that I have seen in other forms of professional racing. I've been fortunate to attend about five or six events this year, as well as having several friends who have competed in both classes during the entire season. They have made the same complaints to me about how poorly the atheletes are treated as well.

When I attended Peoria this year, it was the hardest thing ever to not ride. I love that track and the history behind it. After practice and very little track work being done I told my family someone was seriously going to get hurt that day. There ended up being many crashes including the one that lead to Dominic Colindres being seriously injured. In the GNC1 main, Brad Baker, one of the best in the business, and one of the most gnarly (I know because I grew up racing with him since we were both on 50s) crashed in the right hander five laps into the main. Racers complained about this turn all day long but it took a nasty crash for AMA to prep the track. Five laps in the Grand National main event.

This has never been the case at Peoria. I don’t know what changed. Yes, the area received large amounts of rain leading up to the race, and having a track of my own at my home, I understand the major role that weather plays in forming a great racing surface. However, this is the longest running national on our schedule and I have full confidence that the Peoria Motorcycle Club knows how to work with the track in those sort of conditions. Was the program hurried along? Were short cuts taken? That isn’t for me to answer, but some one should.

After the day was over I was glad that I wasn’t able to ride because of my commitments to road racing. As a racer I wouldn't have pulled out of the event due to the poor conditions. As racers we are there to race and if the next guy isn't stopping, we aren't going to either. That's why we have officials at the races. We should be able to trust them with our safety and know they will make the best call for us.

MotoAmerica has been built up of racers and people that love the sport but also know the risks the racers are taking. We don't have as many races as we have had in the past but they make sure we go to the best possible tracks in the US and that we can race on in all conditions. Last year at their first race with national TV coverage, it was a down pour before my race. The track was not safe enough for us but instead of rushing us out for "the show" they held off until it was safe enough for us.

Now I wasn't in Santa Rosa so the only knowledge of the race track and of the events of what happened is just from what I've read and have gotten from some of my best friends and Team95 teammates. The whole day the track was horrible. The riders got cut short on track time because AMA Pro couldn't get everyone parked in time. This isn’t the best way to run things. We all know it. AMA Pro Racing has GOT to know it. In the last two out of three nationals two serious crashes could have possibly been avoided with better track prep. Since when is timing so important to AMA Pro Racing? They aren’t on live TV, they weren’t bumping up against impending darkness (Santa Rosa has no lighting) So why? Why was the track not prepped? Why were the water trucks not running? We deserve answers.

On Sunday I couldn't be at the races but I always watch live timing as much as possible during practice and then switch to fanschoice.tv for the races. I was out on a bicycle ride when the races started but I always have my phone close in case someone has questions about bike setup or just needs help. Normally I'll just answer while I'm riding and try and help the best I can. This time one of my best friends called (who was racing) but for some reason I felt the need to stop to answer it. It was one of the most heart wrenching calls ever. Hearing him tell me about Charlotte then telling me about how bad the track is. Telling me he's just going to put it out of his head because that’s what he feels professionals do and he wants to race. What do I tell somebody who is relaying that information to me? Don’t go chase your dreams? We all understand the dangers that comes along with racing. As many know, I continue to run the number 95 in honor of my fallen friend and brother Ethan Gillim. We know the risks, but there are also precautions to be taken within our sanctioning body that can reduce and manage that risk.

I realize this is a very emotionally charged letter, but with tragedies that have befallen our sport this season, it’s time that AMA Pro Racing rethinks who they have in place making these difficult decisions. I know it has to be a tough job but everything can always be done better. I put my life on the line every time I get on a bike. I'm ok with that, I know I'm taking a risk. But it's a lot harder to watch family and friends take that same risk knowing the track and conditions could be better. The sanctioning body can coast through the off-season, change their name to American Flat Tack and completely change the class structure and racing format, but the tracks will still be an issue.

My thoughts and prayers are with both the Kainz and McGrane families as well as everyone that has been affected by their passing. Both brilliant and talented lives that we lost much too soon. It shouldn’t take a tragedy to make positive changes but in this case, for the memory of the fallen and the future of this great American racing series, it’s time to ALWAYS put safety first.

 

Were the riders raising hell about the conditions?

 

It's a shame JD had to write that. Hope it has some impact.

 

Devil's Advocate: I'm not making excuses for the absolute shit track prep I've seen all year(didn't see Santa Rosa yet), but what kind of incident is it going to take for people to realize that giving the riders ability to actually slow the bike down in these situations(front brakes) will absolutely save lives if allowed? I didn't see Charlotte's crash, and I don't want to, but I know the best way to avoid a cartwheeling bike in front of you is to slow your bike down, and on dirt, at 120mph, with no front brake, it ain't happening. Rear brakes didn't ruin the sport, and made it safer. Front brakes sure as hell won't ruin anything. They don't ruin the racing at places like Peoria where the front brake is only used for left handers.. why would this be any different on a short track or mile?

 

Also Beach just laid it all out perfectly

 

I'm not sure grabbing a little front brake would be a good idea while already sliding at 90mph in a mile corner, but your thinking about possible ways to make things safer and that's what needs to happen.

 

Front brakes won't make a bit of difference if you can't see what's in front of you until you hit it.

 

I'm pretty sure it'd be a great idea going straight at 130 when there's an incident in the next turn. Unfortunately it's not an option for those guys anywhere there's not a jump.