Hi Guys
Have read this thread with interest, but to be honest, the fact that you have allowed such young children to marshall has shocked me! Although, I completely understand how and why you have allowed it. Please dont think i'm here to criticise, i'm not, especially as you seem to have made the decision to keep children out of the track area whilst racing is going on, I also hope what I have to say will help you.
It was a a 1/8th buggy meet that my son was racing at, and was about 12 or 13 at the time, so more than capable of marshalling without an adult in attendance. A buggy driver mistimed his jump and ended up on his roof on the other side of the track to the marshall point where my son was marshalling, my son waited untill it was clear for him to marshall the car, but the idiot of a driver was reving his car because he was impatient. An adult would most likely have NOT picked that car up, but my son did, the driver concerned didnt allow my son to put his car back down before reving the nuts off it, somehow my son managed to grab the pipe, and he ended up with a very badly burned hand. I had to lean over the fence and lift him out to get some some quick burn treatment for him, and then leaving the meeting to take him to hospital. He's okay now and the scar isn't that bad, but the panic at the meeting ruined his, mine and quite a few others day. He also packed up racing after this incident and still dosnt want to come back.
I realise that the circumstances are very different in so much as this was a nitro meet. But, a more experienced adult would probably have not picked that car up so the incident would never have happened, a child is also more easily injured making it far worse. You also NEVER forgive yourself for allowing your child to be placed somewhere where they can be so easily injured.
I think the way you are trying to encourage your children to get involved with racing is great, and wish you every bit of luck, but please remember, their safety is more important.
I hope this helps and wish you the best of luck.
Terry Holmes
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