No Clue as to dirt track racing.

illinisprintfan · 6/14/13, 3:22 PM

Ignorance of a subject matter has never seemed to slow down "journalists" from writing about it. Chances are the NY Times doesn't have a writer on staff who has attended a dirt track race. The danger here is the portrayal of dirt tracks as shoddily run deathtraps with no regard for safety. Some self serving politician, who could care less about Jason or any other driver, is likely to see this and want to make a name for himself and gain some face time on TV. To any politician out there who might be reading this, please stick to what you do best,

and keep away from auto racing. Thanks.

a tall Short fan 36 · 6/14/13, 4:24 PM

yes ... if Bloomington only had stronger walls.....

johnnythunderhead · 6/14/13, 5:33 PM

agreed, who ever the moron/ morons were who wrote that article are, they have not a clue and are pulling words right out of their A---s/ that is an f- if ever there was one, I would recommend they be terminated!

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ronmil · 6/14/13, 5:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a tall Short fan 36

yes ... if Bloomington only had stronger walls.....

That comment stood out like a sore thumb!

Bobv · 6/14/13, 5:57 PM

Contrary to many, I think the New York Times article did an excellent job of trying to be fair and balanced. They got the opposing views from the World of Outlaws and the owner of Jackson Speedway. In fact, I thought the comments of those two sources were more damning than that of the professor. "It's the driver's and team's responsibilities." I've seen too many promoters turn their heads as drivers paid their $20 and then raced in tennis shoes, or driving suits repaired with duct tape. I witnessed one driver allowed to duct tape his arm restraints on prior to qualifying at one of the scariest tracks in the nation.

There comes a time when it is the promoter's responsibility, and the responsibility of a sanctioning body, to say you can't race until you fix it. It should also be a priority of race teams, as I think it is for most.

I do not believe Jason Leffler had inferior safety equipment. I think he had the best available. I do not know what type of inspection of safety equipment happened that day. But, even that probably would have done nothing to prevent this tragedy.

But, as I read more and more stories, and posts, I understand that while we accuse the media of being biased, we ourselves are being biased in the defense of our sport.

On another thought, it amuses me to see people referring to a concrete wall as a safety device for drivers. It never has been. It has always been a safety device for spectators to prevent cars from running into the grandstands -- as happened too many times in the infancy of our sport.

Midget 89 · 6/14/13, 6:03 PM

New York Times proclaims: "Danger Lurks in Dirt Track Racing." Are our "experts" suggesting pavement racing is far less dangerous? They should get out of the office before writing their articles.

nowingsjeff · 6/14/13, 8:34 PM

Auto racing in the State of New Jersey is regulated by the State Police. Whether it be a local dirt track, drag strip or a road course, the police are there before the event to inspect cars and enforce NJ safety rules. Leffler's car had to be inspected that night and given the OK to be on the track.

65 Push Truck · 6/14/13, 9:50 PM

According to NY Times 291 people died on the streets of NYC last year, with 119 of those dying from motor vehicle accidents alone....so it seems it might be safer on a dirt track with other professional driver than trading paint with wackos of NYC. Typical "big city" Bull that they know what's best for us uneducated backwoods bumpkins. Maybe Bloomberg will buy some commercial time here in Indiana to try and ban dirt tracks...

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racer-x · 6/14/13, 10:02 PM

All i had to see is the story was writen by the NEW YORK TIMES and i could have told you it was more a agenda then the truth. Maybe mayor DOOMBURG will BAN sprint car racing like he did banning a 16 ounce soda. Im sure the media would not waist there time on a racers good days winning races or championship.

JarrettFarms73 · 6/14/13, 11:27 PM

Found this tonight. Dave Blaney interview and his take. A lil more realistic approach IMHO.

http://m.usatoday.com/article/news/2423991

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6/14/13, 10:02 PM	#19 Re: No Clue as to dirt track racing.
racer-x Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,079	All i had to see is the story was writen by the NEW YORK TIMES and i could have told you it was more a agenda then the truth. Maybe mayor DOOMBURG will BAN sprint car racing like he did banning a 16 ounce soda. Im sure the media would not waist there time on a racers good days winning races or championship.