Rally Road Racing WTF!

[RTMiller]

I was watching a TV show last night called "Sport Disasters". You know, skiers tumbling down the mountain, drag racers crashing, parachuting mishaps, etc.

Almost a third of the disasters showed rally cars trying to negotiate a turn. They would lose control and barrel into the spectators who had formed a human guardrail along the outside of the turn.

Can someone expalin the mind set here? I just don't get it.

[rlhphotos]

I dont know but If I was ever at a Rally watching Id make sure I was only standing along a straigh away...the turns are where everyone seems to roll.

[Double Negative]

The turns are where all the action is, though! I'd stand somewhere next to a big tree! :)

The spectators know the risks. I guess it's part of the adrenaline, etc. But keep in mind that these shows present clips that have been collected over time. It's not like these things happen in every race or at least as bad. Look at all the air show and racetrack crashes - same thing.

I saw that same show, hehe.

[Tom W]

Can someone expalin the mind set here? I just don't get it.

Natural selection. ;)

[GSH]

1) Always have something solid between you and the cars.

2) Always have an escape route.

Stick to those 2 and you won't go far wrong ;)

When you attend a lot of events, you tend to get a good idea of when a driver has overdone things, this gives just that little bit extra reaction time over the other spectators.

[mson]

Yeah, a lot of WRC spectators are nuts IMO. On the flip side those WRC drivers are AMAZING and usually navigate the course really well.

[Col_M]

It can get a bit annoying because stages can be closed by the marshalls if they decide that the crowds are too close, everyone loses out then :( If the reckless elements of the crowds used more common sense then it would be better.
It was one of the main factors of the demise of group B and some of the most potent cars ever built including the Lancia Stratos, Ford RS200, Metro 6R4 and the unforgettable Quattros, the golden (if not slightly deadly) age...sigh :lol:

[RichardtheSane]

1) Always have something solid between you and the cars.

Just out of interest would a 400mm F2.8 class as something solid? :lol:

[DocFrankenstein]

I dont know but If I was ever at a Rally watching Id make sure I was only standing along a straigh away...the turns are where everyone seems to roll.
That's exciting... the cars are passing by at 80MPH

At turns the cars are slowing down... so you get to look at them for a bit longer. :rolleyes:

But don't ask me... I don't get racing sports unless I'm the driver.

[GSH]

Just out of interest would a 400mm F2.8 class as something solid? :lol:


If i had one of those it would be in a glass case at home :lol:

[jlacoy82]

How fast would your autofocus have to be for some panning action of motorcycle races at the Isle of Mann be? :lol:

[DocFrankenstein]

How fast would your autofocus have to be for some panning action of motorcycle races at the Isle of Mann be? :lol:
300/2.8 with a 1D will do :D

[mijbril]

........... those WRC drivers are AMAZING and usually navigate the course really well.

The operative word there being USUALLY

[RichardtheSane]

The few times I watched rally I found the most fun (and safety) was had on the inside of the bends. That was before I started photography :)

(Gutted I missed the sherwood pines stages recently)

[PhotosGuy]

Natural selection. Or Unnatural selection? ;)