Fan Safety

by M.L. Morgan

On July 26 there was a horrifying occurrence during the running of the U.S. 500 at Michigan. As a result of a relatively minor incident on the track, a wheel came loose and was launched into the stands. Three spectators were killed and six more were injured. Terrible deal. Our hearts go out to all the victims and their families. While Race Views is not a big fan of open-wheel racing we are definitely a supporter of all race fans.

I do not have the same compassion for all of the negative media midgets who always crawl out from beneath their rocks to comment whenever something controversial happens in the racing world. These leeches are so desperate to get a byline on something besides the National Enquirer they will stoop to new depths, even for punks such as they are.

Their self-aggrandizing posturing is pathetic. “Let’s slow the cars down “ - “Let’s build bigger fences “ - spare me please. These puppies need to go back to writing about snail darters or professional wrestling. I haven’t seen the article about using the big redwood trees as barricades, but I’m sure it is out there. Pandering is illegal in many parts of society but I guess it doesn’t apply to these wannabe’s. They are truly shameless.

Let’s talk about reality. All of the top classes of racing, either open-wheel or full-body have made tremendous strides in safety. This is not by accident. (No pun intended). This is for the protection of the competitors and fans alike. While all of the changes have not been completely altruistic, all of these changes have made the majority of motorsports safer for everyone involved. That’s all we can hope for.

Motorsports can never be compared to stamp collecting. It’s a tough, dangerous business. Both the participants and their fans should be well aware of this. As if I need some moron with an ego shortage to tell me.

The odds against a fan being injured during a sanctioned race are up there in the stratosphere. You’d be more likely picked up by a UFO and scanned for your knowledge of Nascar/Ford secrets. At the roller rink when they say “everybody skate backwards”, I’ve seen lots of injuries which resulted from this seemingly benign request, and a few romances. Such is life. This recent spate of crap from the witless wannabe’s really tests my patience. Their ignorance is almost beyond comprehension. “Well, Bruce, we’ve got another scoop”. Scoop of what ? These idiots don’t remember they are talking to thinking race fans. Give me a break.

As you long-time readers know, my page is always positive. I’m positive these new kids who want to get rich from writing negative stuff about racing don’t have a clue. Makes me want to puke.

Have comments or questions? E-mail: M.L. Morgan

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