Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.
Motorcycling Australia (MA), the Australian equivalent of the AMA, has announced a new track homologation program is response to the death of racer Liam Magee on April 27; Magee hit a wall at Mallala.
In the announcement, Motorcycling Australia CEO David White says that MA will make track safety improvements part of the negotiations for future race sanctions, similar to the homologation process used by World Superbike but not used by AMA Pro Racing, which typically negotiates with race promoters over financial terms only.
The MA announcement was made May 10 and the text of the announcement follows:
The tragic death of Liam Magee has not unexpectedly raised the issue of competitor safety for racing venues throughout the country.
An incident such as the one that occurred at Mallala on 27 April, 2002 is a timely reminder of the potential risks in motorcycle sport and a time to reflect on and review some aspects of motorcycle racing, in particular circuit safety.
It is also an appropriate time to inform stakeholders of current MA objectives in relation to safety.
Motorcycling Australia formed a number of new Committees in August 2001 including a revised Committee to deal with safety issues which is titled the Medical and Safety Committee. Part of this Committee’s charter is a review of safety guidelines for all disciplines of motorcycle sport. That review is progressing satisfactorily and will be completed in the near future.
Following the Mallala accident a person with experience in accident investigation and independent of Motorcycling Australia was appointed to investigate the incident.
An inspection of the Winton circuit was undertaken on Tuesday 7 May, 2002. The inspector, Geoff Lanigan, is a civil engineer and a member of the Medical and Safety Committee. His report is expected within a few days and any recommendations for the forthcoming Australian Superbike round will be implemented and publicised.
Other road racing circuits are being inspected on a progressive basis. An inspection of the Mt Gambier circuit has been completed and negotiations are being finalised with the circuit owners regarding circuit upgrading.
Any new MA requirements regarding circuit safety will be a condition of venue licensing and those conditions have to apply to all events at that circuit, whether it be a club day or an Australian Championship event.
All venues will, in future, be licensed in accordance with the reviewed safety guidelines. Some circuits may require significant alterations and it may be appropriate that circuits be given a timeframe to accommodate requirements.
It must be considered some venue operations may not agree to the alterations the Safety Committee will require. That being the case there may be no alternative but to cease licensing a venue where the operator cannot or will not comply.
The review process could also consider standards of licensing based on both new and existing venues and could possibly consider limiting a venue licence to particular classes of motorcycles rather than attempting to licence it for maximum performance levels which could see the demise of the venue for motorcycle sport.
Competitor input will be sought in relation to venue licensing and a rider was present at the Winton inspection. A possibility for competitor involvement would be a nominated representative from each of the racing categories reporting to MA through a single overall representative to minimise channels of communication.
The MA Board is mindful of safety and the death of Liam Magee has reinforced concerns. A review process on circuit safety had commenced prior to Liam’s tragic accident. The process will continue.
David White
CEO
Motorcycling Australia
© , Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.