I’d suggest they are struggling because of all this sort of stuff now. I get your main point but an extra £500+for what might be a one off experience for many is certainly stopping me trying out a TD again
Have only worn two piece leathers at track days for the last 4 years - never had a problem with marshals. Had a Spyke pair, an Alpinestars pair (crashed in both, no problems with riding up ), and now an RST pair. Pace is now top end of inters (wasn't when I started). TBF last time I rode at Brands was 2018. Marshals at other tracks have never given a shit, or even seen them bother to check. The only thing they look for (occasionally) is front lever guards and now back protectors. Would be interested to hear if anyone else has experienced this level of anal-ness on 2 piece suits anywhere other than Brands?
I've done quite a few trackdays recently, Snetterton, Donnington, and they have not mentioned the leathers zips at all, I know it was mentioned in the T&C's but they haven't mentioned it in any briefing, or checked them. They did check the back protector and swung off my brake guard so hard he spun it around, then moaned at me that it was 'loose' which was annoying. The Irony here, is that if they are concerned about safety they need to be enforcing CE armored leathers with appropriate certificate. Honestly, whenever you go to trackdays there are people in leathers that are 20+ year old and duck taped around the calf where zips have broken... it's just terrible.. That's what they need to crack down on, not whether people where 2 piece or 1 piece.
The irony here is brake lever guard back protector two piece zip .. are all circumstantial… it’s the attitude of some that needs testing, changing and educating! You only need look as far as some of the recent collisions to see that!
Would it be possible in the UK for the organizers to have you sign a non-liability waiver in the case of such an event? A very loooooooong time ago (1983-to 1987) even then I had to sign one as a photographer to get my press card, stating the organisation was not liable for anything happening to me on and around the track.
You are already required to do that but it seems people won't accept responsibility for their own actions. Andy
Airbags will be mandatory soon, which will be hilarious. Coz some of the fat bastards I see on bikes, once thats inflated theyll look like one of those giant hamster balls rolling through the gravel.
My leathers with dedicated air vest are fekin heavy! They feel fine once on but when you pick them up….
I think its more to do with the possibility of being sued and insurance company terms than anyone trying to outright ban it.
As someone who got knocked off at Bedford last year, breaking my pelvis (guy behind out-braked himself and slammed into my rear wheel as I was tipping in) - whilst the other rider wobbled off track and was then free to continue with his day on track, whilst I spent a week in hospital... couldn't agree more with this sentiment.
In the same way we are told in the briefing about brake lever guard back protector & two-piece leathers, we are also told about respect, black flags and one strike and you are out. I have done a hundred Euro track days and never seen anyone sent home. I have, on the other hand, sought out another rider to apologise for my riding.
So have I. He was easy enough to find. He was in shorts and a t shirt with his arm in a new sling…. Oops… And his bike was smashed to bits… double oops. In my defence, it wasn’t my fault but I wanted to check him out and have a chat about it. We had a coming together and I was lucky enough to stay on, unfortunately he and his bike went down the road
