Donington 'new marshals protection system'

[Mike Harvey]

Just spotted this little article on the Donington Park web page and thought most people here would be interested.

http://www.donington-park.co.uk/news...ection-system/

I don't recall seeing this in place when leaving the loop at the end of yesterday, although my mind may have been focusing on a hot bath and Sunday dinner by that point.
I wonder if this will be used on Saturdays 750MC meeting?

[grantp]

Originally Posted by Mike Harvey

Just spotted this little article on the Donington Park web page and thought most people here would be interested.

http://www.donington-park.co.uk/news...ection-system/

I don't recall seeing this in place when leaving the loop at the end of yesterday, although my mind may have been focusing on a hot bath and Sunday dinner by that point.
I wonder if this will be used on Saturdays 750MC meeting?

The press release reads like it is something for Bike meetings primarily - a removable rather than a permanent structure.

Can't be sure though.

[numbersix]

From what (little) I can see of it, my first impression is I'd rather be behind the armco/tyrewall with plenty of space to leg it.

Originally Posted by grantp

The press release reads like it is something for Bike meetings primarily - a removable rather than a permanent structure.

Can't be sure though.

I thought that at first, but the concrete base isn't exactly biker-friendly...

[MartinB]

Originally Posted by grantp

The press release reads like it is something for Bike meetings primarily - a removable rather than a permanent structure.

Can't be sure though.

The last line, above the second photo says
"The new marshals post will be a feature at the upcoming, May 26th round of the FIM Superbike World Championship, as well as at all bike and car race meetings held on the GP circuit throughout 2013."

I'm in the sticking to behind the tyres camp on this.

Although having looked at the photos again, it does appear to be in the far left corner (viewed as you approach the haipin), but I wouldn't be certain it's never going to be in the firing line.

[Woolley]

It does say 'for bike meetings'. I'm not sure I'd want to be inside that with a car coming my way, or in a car that hits it for that matter.

I wonder if anyone's asked the marshals what they'd like?

[JimW]

Originally Posted by Woolley

It does say 'for bike meetings'. I'm not sure I'd want to be inside that with a car coming my way, or in a car that hits it for that matter.

I wonder if anyone's asked the marshals what they'd like?

Ho ho.

Jim

[grantp]

The photos show the structure tucked away in the corner in what I would guess is a location well away from any 'regular' incident line at the hairpin.

I don't think there is a marshal post with a permanent structure down there is there? Not that side of the track. So I suppose it at least offers some sort of weather and light debris protection where there is none currently.

Mind you I could be wrong about the current structure availability - been a while since I last wandered around there.

[Terrible-Tones]

Not entirely sure how you'd flag from it TBH?

I am with everybody else, barriers and tyres - with room to leg it! Also don't see the point of grouping the marshals together - if a big hit comes takes out more people!

Whose at Doni on 23rd March for 750 - we'll take a look!

[The Flagman]

Love to try and wave a flag through those small holes!

[TWRv12]

Not much point having a tire wall. if you put a concrete wall in front of it!

[Al Weyman]

That I wouldnt like to hit at speed!

[JimW]

It would seem unlikely that bikes would be happy if this was left without tires/Recticell or similar. It may be a long way back but even so.

Jim

[Dave Brand]

Originally Posted by The Flagman

Love to try and wave a flag through those small holes!

You'd have to poke a hole in that clear plastic sheeting first!

[ALFA ALFA]

I've always considered myself a 'cage free' Marshal. But at Watkins Glen here in the States they have been using a similar 'back stop/cage like' system for the last dozen years. These are used at most ground level flag positions. They are located behind the armco. A flagger usually stands near the edge of the cage and flags out in the open. The system seen here looks more like a 'safe house', some place to hide out. I don't think it should be placed in front of the tire wall/armco. Where you gonna run? You also have to watch the placement/use of your radio. At least they're trying to make it safer for you.

[Gerryc]

Quite apart from all the other perfectly valid comments above .............. is bright red really a suitable colour????

[Steve Fox]

Great colour for a Marshal protection covering, particularly in the wind. I love to see things nicely thought through.

Edit: moments too slow with the double post!!

[Richard Duvall]

If I had read the promotional narrative without seeing the picture of the monstrocity I would have imagined completely different! They seem to have published this a bit early; it's still a couple of weeks till 1st April!

[Johansen2000]

http://www.spengler.de/index.php?opt...mid=80&lang=en

Direct from the makers.... A mobile marshals post could actually have its uses!!

[Dave Brand]

Originally Posted by Johansen2000

Direct from the makers.... A mobile marshals post could actually have its uses!!

That confirms my suspicion that it's free-standing. Used as shown in their picture, standing on a smooth tarmac surface, how much of an impact is that going to resist? You'd be safer standing in front of it!

[Paul Newns]

Before we all write it off and state how useless it's going to be, let's at least try it. Photos don't always show the true picture (pun intended).

[Woolley]

The trouble is, if we try it, then it's fitted. And if it's fitted, then in my experience, we're stuck with it.

The link above seem to show the true picture as the makers intend since that's their advertising pitch. Having seen how far a concrete barrier can move when hit by a V8 Ute, it's not something I fancy standing behind in a big impact. It may have a point on a temporary circuit as additional protection, but as a structure on a permanent circuit, no thanks.

[deley]

as with all these things ..... context - how, where, when etc etc.

A publicity shot for a website (either a circuit's or even a manufacturer's) doesn't put it into context. If you look at the other motorsport barrier protection systems they manufacture you will actually see that this is really but a bit part of a much wider picture and that this "part" is compatible with their concrete / fencing system and can be expanded using other barrier segments

i.e. standing on its own like this is probably somewhat out of context

Dave

[JimW]

I'm told that it has now been moved from in front of the wall.

Jim