Targa rally fatalities

[roddy1960]

I'm a proud Tasmanian too and love what Targa Tasmania brings to our State each year . In 2009 on an ordinary day three of my friends were on their way to Hobart for a family funeral . None of them made it home . On that same day another six Tasmanians were killed on our roads just going about normal business . They weren't racing but were still killed . It was a very black day on our roads and for no logical reason .

If you know you're racing you also must accept the risks as harsh as that might sound . Even the great racing drivers in much more regulated specific race tracks conditions are killed and they are professionals .

Not saying that nothing should be done after the past couple of days of TT but reality is that any motorsport at any level is inherently dangerous and I hope Octagon or whoever runs this amazing event will find ways to make it as safe as is realistically possible but without ruining it's fundamental aim to allow great cars to be driven as they were designed for when conditions and qualification of drivers allow .

Maybe the CAMS qualifications to compete in Targa rallies need to stiffened even further and some Targa stages are re assessed but motor sport is a big risk . So is a trip to the shops to get the carton of milk or taking the kids to school , People die on our roads every day just doing stuff like that behind the wheel and they're not even racing .

[buggerlugs]

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-04-...race/100092954

[XR Martin]

The RX7 crash would have been terrible for the co driver, as the car ended up in a creek and looks like the driver probably drowned in front of him.

[Rallye Sport]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

I'm talking about P platers in general on our roads, if they can afford it let em drive it.

There's too much wrapping people up in cotton wool in this country.

We must be getting confused, I'm talking about P platers as first year competitors, you wear a P plate like on public roads.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Rallye Sport

We must be getting confused, I'm talking about P platers as first year competitors, you wear a P plate like on public roads.

Indeed we are, but how embarrassing having to wear the P plates

Reminds me of the time I saw a bunch of trainee Santa clauses in Melbourne CBD and they all had L plates stuck on the back of their santa uniform

[ESPJG32]

Yes Rallye Sport

New race drivers have to use P plates at race tracks, but that is so others in the race realize that they are inexperienced and give them extra room - it is not the case in Rally's as the cars head off individually at somewhere between 30 second or up to 2 minute intervals depending on conditions

In the case of these fatalities none were newbies, they were very experienced crews

As I said in an earlier post, you dont get to turn up at events like TT in your new Porsche as an inexperienced driver....your entry is not accepted.

[MercuryT]

Just to be clear I do not want the event shut down.

As stated i love Targa events. Wish i could go in one!

My thread is more a discussion of what (if anything) can be done differently in future.

[ESPJG32]

MercuryT, I agree with you, this type of event is awesome, particularly TT, amazing roads unbelievable fun for competitors {a challenge like no other}and hopefully spectators as well
a Motorsport Aust investigation will be held and possibly some changes to come, hopefully nothing too serious....I can tell you no competitors in TT are cowboys....it is serious motorsport, with an entry fee of almost $10 k plus all the other costs {particularly from WA}...no one enters on a whim and everyone takes it very seriously....no one wants crashes, injuries or worse... deaths, but we all know the potentials
I am sure all enthusiasts extend their condolences to the families and friends effected.
TT is a very professional operation and I am sure they will do everything they can to make this unique event as safe as possible for all.
Thanks for putting up this discussion topic

[MercuryT]

ESPJG32 excellent post and thanks for saying as exactly right, it's a discussion to improve (if possible) not a blame game at all.

You obviously have great knowledge and experience in the area so I take on board your comment you can't just turn up in a Porsche with required safety fittings etc.....that's comforting.

As for your spectator comment, absolutely TT is and I've loved it since it's start.

One of my best childhood memories was waiting at sunset with my mum (I was about 12) to see the Ferrari F40 that Chas Kelly had enterered and returning for the day.

To this day I think it's the most excited I've ever been seeing a car in person (had it on my wall and still do) and I've loved racing especially Targa events ever since.

[.:4:.]

Yes its tragic for any fatalities, but its not like anyone can enter any car without no credentials. The cars have to pass strict tech. And the drivers have to have experience. They have daily breifings for road conditions. And theyre just that, roads. So whilst nothing about it is in any way good, the media is blowing it all up and whats a police crash report going to say? Excessive speed?
Targa Tasmania has been run for something like 29 years and has had a pretty good record even if this year wasnt the best. Look at the isle of man tt. Yeah its different being bikes, and yeah its been running since the dawn of time, but its seen a stupid amount of fatalities yet people still enter.

[Polyal]

Originally Posted by XR Martin

The RX7 crash would have been terrible for the co driver, as the car ended up in a creek and looks like the driver probably drowned in front of him.

Im yet to see much news on this but thats what I thought too, it looks like they slid down and landed upside down in the creek..if thats the way it went then my god thats horrible. RIP.

There is not going to be an easy answer, perhaps there doesnt need to be one, this is no different to sky diving etc.

Rallying/Targa is so much more dangerous than circuit stuff, its unforgiving and you are running hard on less than ideal conditions down there.

Another issue is the cars these days are amazing, I mean really stop and think what they are capable of, they have also desensitized us a little as they are almost too good. So when it goes bad in this scenario obviously its not going to end well.

Disappointing to see any parallel to road licensing and probations periods etc, this is not even in the same leagues and yes society as a whole does need to have systems in place when inexperience is involved.

Grown men having fun and doing what they loved with there hard earned is a different story. They know full well the risks.

RIP

[Vesper Martini]

Originally Posted by MercuryT

Ok.

Should a GT3 Porsche be in the hands of an amateur racer just because can afford it?

I haven't driven a GT3, but have driven an old RX7
despite its superior speed over the RX7 that crashed I'm almost certain the GT3 would be safer & easier to navigate a Targa.

[Eaturbo]

It's motorsport, if your afraid of dying you shouldn't be there. It's not a Sunday drive in a corolla. Does matter how much experience you have, any class of car that hits a tree can cause death. It's sad but it's the risk you accept.

[MercuryT]

Lack of understanding on the topic imo.

[73 4V XB]

Originally Posted by MercuryT

Lack of understanding on the topic imo.

In what way.
I believe he gave his opinion, you did ask for opinions.
He gave his thoughts on the risks of motor sports, I agree 100%. I say this some racing experience in my younger years.

At the end of the day it’s a tragic loss of life doing what they loved. They knew the risks and took them in their stride. I feel for the families who have lost husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters.
Racing is risky, so is crossing the road now days yet we all take the risk.

[MercuryT]

Originally Posted by 73 4V XB

In what way.
I believe he gave his opinion, you did ask for opinions.
He gave his thoughts on the risks of motor sports, I agree 100%. I say this some racing experience in my younger years.

At the end of the day it’s a tragic loss of life doing what they loved. They knew the risks and took them in their stride. I feel for the families who have lost husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters.
Racing is risky, so is crossing the road now days yet we all take the risk.

Yes I did.

But saying driving an RX7 compared to high powered, rear engine Porsche very different.

If that risk is acceptable to you then fine.

[mondeomatureguy]

Hi guys,
That's very sad and i feel for there family's. I remember when i used to go to bathurst and watch the race and take my camera.
There used to be a sign near where you brought the ticket and it said " Motor racing is dangerous.

Driving just on the road in your normal road car is dangerous. Those gentleman who sadly lost there lives in the Targa Rally knew that any form of motor racing is dangerous but they did what they enjoyed.