Butonwillow

[JHPGT3]

A few of us planned to go to Willow last Friday for a final test/tune prior to the Tribute this coming weekend. Unfortunately, someone forgot to check to see if it was open and we found out it was "motorcycle day" and closed to cars. So we made a few calls and happily found BW was open. Not a bad drive to BW from Willow on hwy 138in the early am.
Anyway, I was really surprised at what I found at BW and thought I'd post a few comments for anyonme thinking of doing a tst/tune day there.
First of all, it's more expensive than WSIR! $200 for the day!
They have "run sessions". One is for open wheel cars and the other is for all others.
They run at 30 minute intervals so you get plenty of time, but you cannot simply go on the track at any time.
Thirdly, and most important, I've never seen so many crazy, unqualified drivers at any event, ever! The weekend event was going to be a NASA event, and I originally thought that maybe the crazies were NASA drivers, but I later talked to the track manager and he said there was "nothing unusual" about this particular Friday. I saw at least 10 "off track excursions", maybe more. And some were really dangerous. Guys were out of control all over the track. After a while you realized it was better to simply hang back and slow down rather than pass anyone.
I found out later that BW has no criteria for who or what can test/tune on an open track Friday. Basically, anyone with a car can get on the track, even if they've never been on a track before.
During the driver's meting, the track manager stands up, talks about the flags and such and says, "we have open passing --if you're being passed, just maintain the racing line". Well, if a person has never been on a track before, how the heck do they know what the "racing line" is. And it was apparent there were alot of drivers out there who didn't have a clue IMO.
Personally, I think that this is a prescription for disaster. And, I'm very surprised that BW allows this, especially with their safety record. (as I recall, they've had at least 3 deaths there in the last 2 years and in one case, it was two guys w/o safety equipment!!)At least WSIR makes an attempt to determine drivers' qualifications with a questionairre and a requirement that the car be "race equipped".
I wound up leaving early and would not go back to BW for a Fri test/tune day until they get their act together.

[Pete Millikin]

Not good. This is surprising as I thought the track was owned by the SCCA.

In general do tracks have a full compliment of corner workers and emergency people on test and tune days?

[JHPGT3]

Not good. This is surprising as I thought the track was owned by the SCCA.

In general do tracks have a full compliment of corner workers and emergency people on test and tune days?

I think they had 3 flag stations going. Assumed they had EMTs. WSIR doesn't use corner workers on Fri test/tune but they do have EMTs.

[MikeD]

WSIR doesn't use corner workers on Fri test/tune but they do have EMTs.

Only if someone pays for them to be there. If you've had EMT's at T/T session @ WSIR it is because some generous soul paid for them to be there. The track doesn't supply them. You should find that soul, and at the very least thank them, if not offer to help cover the costs.

[JHPGT3]

WSIR doesn't use corner workers on Fri test/tune but they do have EMTs.

Only if someone pays for them to be there. If you've had EMT's at T/T session @ WSIR it is because some generous soul paid for them to be there. The track doesn't supply them. You should find that soul, and at the very least thank them, if not offer to help cover the costs.

Mike, R U sure?
I know yuears back they didn't have them, but the last few times they did. I just assumed since they had been there several times in a row that the track provided them.
OK, I just called WSIR and got the scoop!! here 'tis:
Depending on the number of cars/drivers, they have been providing fire/rescue which includes 2 EMTs. I asked how many cars signed up would it take. She waffled a little and said "about 20". This is the reason to give WSIR notice of your intent to show up for test/tune inadvance. they are trying to get the word out for people to do this (they might even not allow you to run if not pre-registered) because they would like to have EMTs when enough cars are there to justify it.

[MikeD]

WSIR doesn't use corner workers on Fri test/tune but they do have EMTs.

Only if someone pays for them to be there. If you've had EMT's at T/T session @ WSIR it is because some generous soul paid for them to be there. The track doesn't supply them. You should find that soul, and at the very least thank them, if not offer to help cover the costs.

Mike, R U sure?
I know yuears back they didn't have them, but the last few times they did. I just assumed since they had been there several times in a row that the track provided them.
OK, I just called WSIR and got the scoop!! here 'tis:
Depending on the number of cars/drivers, they have been providing fire/rescue which includes 2 EMTs. I asked how many cars signed up would it take. She waffled a little and said "about 20". This is the reason to give WSIR notice of your intent to show up for test/tune inadvance. they are trying to get the word out for people to do this (they might even not allow you to run if not pre-registered) because they would like to have EMTs when enough cars are there to justify it.

OK, then that is a change in policy since last I test and tuned there. Good to know. Thanks for the follow-up John.