The accident which was unfortunately made a central showpiece of
ESPN's coverage involved an Alfa GTV and a lotus MK9. These cars were
appropriately classed based on speed and the fact that they were both
closed wheel cars.(The drivers always have the right to ask to be
reclassified if they are not comfortable in a particular group, and
VARA is always happy to accomodate). These two were having a fine race
with the Lotus of Dick Rydell quite capably keeping ahead of the Alfa
when the Alfa suffered a complete brake master cylinder failure at the
entrance to turn 1. If you watch the tape closely you'll see that the
Alfa doesn't slow one iota!! Unfortunately, Rydell's gorgeous Lotus
was the car in front of him and was collected. Both drivers got a good
scare but everyone was fine after being checked out at the local
hospital as a precaution.
The 23b/corvette incident that has been discussed here, was part of
the USRRC race put on by Victory Lane magazine at the promoter's
request. VARA had no input into this event as far as classifications
were concerned. Although, under and over two liter cars of these types
did run together when the USRRC was originally run. Obviously it is
very difficult to see a little 23B darting to the inside when you are
driving a big corvette. While it was a close call, to the best of my
knowledge, both drivers handled it well and there was no contact.
As far as the ESPN coverage goes, we must all realize that ESPN is
trying to make Vintage racing interesting to the GENERAL racing
audience. This usually intails a lot of close calls and a selection of
on-track incidents. But when you think about the fact that over 300
cars raced for 4 days on a tiny concrete lined track through the
streets of Palm Springs, the two or three incidents that they were
able to catch really isn't to bad, all things considered.
I had to grimace when I saw the coverage (especially after spending
the last month trying to convince you guys what a safe bunch VARA
is!!!). But the bottom line is, at least Vintage racing is starting to
receive some good national attention. Just remember that this was a
very large race on a very, very demanding track, and that there were
very few incidents of any kind. That's pretty impressive when you
think about it.
Casey Annis
Secretary
VARA
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