Originally Posted by sprinter2b:
First, I am a mother of a now 8yr boy, and he has been going to races since we came home from the hospital. To say if children should be allowed in the pits, I say yes I know how dangerous the pits can be and on the same note how safe is it when they let druncken idots in the pits. I have been racing for a long time and when you do it for a living, then it becomes a different story. The parents should be responsible enough to know if there child is capable of being in the pits and able to follow rules or be able to stay in a toter home. There are many dangers that we face daily and yes we need to do everything possible to protect our children but this is a family sport and one of the reasons that racing is a joy for family's is that they can get up close and personal. There are both pros and cons but I think it should be up to the parents and the parents need to responsible with their choice. We can go back and forth about this but I think it should be up to the parents. As far as my son he will be in the pits when it is allowed and anyone that knows my son knows he knows the rules and to be honest he probably knows more about racing and what is going on the most adults.
With all due respect...most parents are not responsible enough themselves...let alone responsible enough to make a decision for a minor.
As far as letting drunk persons into a pit area...well...there simply needs to be a little more security at some race tracks...and not just let anyone they see with a wrist band into the pit area. I think all could agree with that!