Tue, August 31, 2010 5:38:08 RULE UPDATE; First Annual Motor-Scooter Land-Speed Trials, Nov. 21st 2010, El Mirage Dry Lake, CA
From: Alan Spears <msilsf@yahoo.com> Add to Contacts
To:
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Dear Entrant / Prospective Entrant,
All previously approved El Mirage Dry Lake race permits, including our's, are being re-evaluated by the Bureau of Land Management. This process is a direct result of the August 15th Soggy Dry Lake calamity that claimed eight lives and injured thirteen spectators.
Within hours of the Soggy Dry Lake calamity we took a proactive approach and responded by implementing a safety Rule establishing a 100-foot safety-zone on either side of the race course, and providing for immediate course closure in the event of a breach.
At the BLM's suggestion we also established a safety Rule regarding fuel containment, fueling and refueling. This is known as self-regulation.
Another tragedy occurred this past Sunday, August 29th, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Thirteen-year-old road racer Peter Lentz was critically injured as a result of being run over by another racer. Presumably Peter was wearing a Snell-approved helmet, and armored road racing leathers, gloves and boots. No amount of safety equipment would likely have prevented Peter's untimely death.
This latest tragedy will invariably spark spirited debate whether young teens should be road racing, or perhaps whether they should be restricted to small displacement bikes, such as 50cc and 125cc?
Without entering this debate, and being fully cognizant that motor-scooters running through a speed-trap one-at-a-time present appreciably less risk of injury than road racing motorcycles, we are nevertheless again self-regulating as an alternative to having regulations imposed upon our event. In this regard we have decided to implement the following Rule. This Rule, and others are published at
www.motorscooterlandspeedfederation.org/rules.html.
1.O. MINIMUM AGE
Riders must be at least eighteen (18) years of age to compete. Proof of age required by valid driver's license or Passport.
This Rule eliminates four things: (1) the possibility of death or injury to young teenage riders; (2) bereaved parents and families; (3) parental consent forms; and (4) legal waivers.
Thank you for your understanding, continued enthusiasm and competitive spirit.
Sincerely,
Alan Spears,
Scootermeister
