Look, I know that this thread is pretty much dead, but I am shocked that this point has not been mentioned (or at least I didn't see it) in the previous 240 posts:
Originally Posted by DonMoore10:
...Mr. Barhorst, the promoter, is not in charge of inspecting race cars, for example. He hired the United States Auto Club to deal with the racing, safety issues, track issues, etc etc. Plain and simple, the United States Auto Club did not do their job. Mr. Miller has already admitted that. It doesn't matter whether there were palm trees growing in the middle of the track surface or whatever. It's the job of USAC, hired to oversee such matters, to see that the racing plant is correct for conducting a midget racing program. USAC failed to do that prior to race day...
It seems to me that it is ALSO the promoter's job "to see that the racing plant is correct for conducting a midget racing program." It is my understanding that the track WAS in fact inspected by USAC last fall, and that a list of safety concerns was presented to the promoter to be corrected. It is also my understanding that USAC did not follow up on this list to ensure that the corrections had been made prior to the night of the race.
Originally Posted by Tony Barhorst:
...The facts are that we fixed the problems...cut off the rebar that I ordered the track owner to remove months before. After they were fixed, even more problems were dug up.
I was shocked that the track owner had not removed that rebar...I told him about your experience in 04...and was livid when the changes were not made...
BUT, it seems that the promoter ALSO did not follow up on this list to ensure that the corrections had been made prior to the night of the race. I find it interesting that the majority on this thread are blaming USAC, but are giving a pass to the promoter, who had the very same list of safety concerns well before this unfortunate event transpired.
I'm not trying to cause trouble, just pointing out something that jumped out at me while reading this thread. As I stated earlier, I was not there and have not spoken to anyone who was. I have no motives for or against either party.