Paul,
First let me say I agree with you and am very sorry you lost a mate in such a senseless way.
If I, or anyone else, in your opinion is not in a fit state to ride, or to be an official, then you should approach the Clerk of the Course (This can be done anonymously), or the Stewart if it's the COC that you feel is unfit, to have said person interviewed to assertain whether they are indeed fit to ride/officiate which under the GRC's is a an intial breath test. If this is postive it will be followed by another a short time later under controlled conditions to confirm the positive reading. (0.1g/litre GCR 11.21) Even if there is not a breath tester available it is up to the person concerned to prove they are fit to ride, not the other way round.
But, and there is always a but, you cant stop at just alcohol. Drugs can conceivably be worse in that someone may be stoned but does not have the obvious signs that accompanies the demon drink. A lot of prescription drugs come with the warning not to drive or operate machinery but I'm not sure if I could pick someone who was affected. Performance drugs, how do you pick them?
Then there are injuries. Haven't we all riden with injuries at some stage. I saw a competitor at a Western Region ride when he could barely hang onto the handle bars just for those precious points.
That takes us to bike scrutineering. How many times has the excuse that the bike is "Old" and therefore should be shown some leniency or it's a members bike of the club holding a meet, any meet, so they are scrutineered sight unseen. Or how often have you seen a rider crash only to remount and rejoin the race with a broken front brake lever?
Now to the biggest variable of all, rider ability. We have all seen a rider at some stage or other that we have thought he was a danger to himself and everyone else on the track. Did we do anything about it? We have a junior in our club who when he first started was an accident waiting to happen. Most just bitched about this kid, I decided to try and help him. We all had to start somewhere, like learner drivers on the road and you can't get race experience without racing. Then you have the good riders but they have the "Win at all costs" attitude. I have 40yo+ mates who will not ride the Vets with me at the WR's because of the killer instinct of some of the other competitors but are more than happy to ride our club days solely because of the more laid back atmosphere and isn't that what Viper is all about?
Again, I agree with you Paul but there has to be a little give and take.
I did have a bit to drink Saturday night, was it 15? Can't tell you. I got carried away because this was a reunion for me, seeing people I hadn't in nearly a year. As for the photo, I have mates who look worse than that on any given morning without alcohol playing a part. I assessed myself as capable of racing Sunday, should have I riden? To the letter of the law (GCR's), probably not and this is where people like you should step in and protect me from myself and others. Perhaps EVERYONE should be breathtested at sign in, this could be added to the Supp Regs, then everyone will be happy. I honestly believe I was no more a danger to myself or, more importantly, other riders than anyone else out there but you are entitled to your opinion. There has to be a balance of Safety for Safety's sake and riders going out and enjoying themselves. If ALL the rules were aplied "To the letter of the Law" I dont think many would get to ride. Afteral the GCR's are about "Fair and Safe racing" and if you feel I am a threat to that safety then approach me, or the officials, before I race, not a week after the fact on a website forum. If you are going to be a dirt track detective make sure you are equally diligent on ALL breaches of the rules. I hate this cliché but "At the end of the day" it is the responsibilty of everyone for their own safety and you may have still been enjoying your mate's company if he hadn't accepted that ride. I guess what I am saying that we have all made stupid mistakes and sadly your mate paid the ultimate price. Up to now none of my actions in life have ever seriously hurt anyone but there for the grace of God go I.
By the way, I have not commented here about other viper riders, just riders in general.
On a brighter note I had a fantastic night at the Presentation Night and congratulations to all the winners but especially to Allan Rhia for finally taking out the 125 title, well deserved. I look forwaed to racing a full season next year but I'll have to wait and see what the dates are. To the out going committee/helpers thanks for all your hard work behind the scenes that sometimes goes unrecognised but I can assure you it is much appreciated. To the incoming mob I am here to help if I can even if I can't race.
Haven't had a beer yet but the day's not over.
