Worst spotter “Flagger” award goes too...

mx295
Profile picture for user mx295
Posts
4296
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
Quartz Hill, CA, USA
mx295
Edited Date/Time 10/14/2020 3:17pm
5
1
|
Question
Profile picture for user Question
Posts
3179
Joined
6/26/2014
Location
FR
Question 10/13/2020 2:35pm
10/13/2020 2:35pm
The main reason radio com will be in place at some point, sometimes a 0.1 second gain can be more important than lap times Wink
2
Mr. Ted
Profile picture for user Mr. Ted
Posts
1685
Joined
5/7/2010
Location
Atoka, TN, USA
Fantasy
721st
Mr. Ted 10/13/2020 3:11pm
10/13/2020 3:11pm
Same thing happened when my kid crashed. Flagger looking the wrong way and next kid hit my kids bike and endoed down the hill after the jump. Really sucks when they're not paying attention.
1
1
peelout
Profile picture for user peelout
Posts
18424
Joined
1/6/2011
Location
Ogden, UT, USA
peelout 10/13/2020 3:12pm
10/13/2020 3:12pm
Flagger:

20
Camp332
Profile picture for user Camp332
Posts
8763
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Zoo Jersey, USA
Camp332 10/13/2020 3:59pm
10/13/2020 3:59pm
Watched this video a few times on the gram today. I think that bonehead at the top of the hill is the rider of that downed bike. He must've hit his head and was just staring into space.
18

The Shop

See All »
GuyB
Profile picture for user GuyB
Posts
35722
Joined
7/10/2006
Location
Aliso Viejo, CA, USA
GuyB 10/13/2020 4:33pm
10/13/2020 4:33pm
I gave a flagger at Thunder Valley a bit of a lecture after watching him for a few minutes. He spent the majority of his time watching oncoming riders, with only very occasional peeks at the area that he was supposed to be watching.

It's okay to be a fan and a spectator. Just do it on the other side of the fence.
19
3
lostboy819 10/13/2020 5:28pm
10/13/2020 5:28pm Edited Date/Time 10/13/2020 5:54pm
GuyB wrote:
I gave a flagger at Thunder Valley a bit of a lecture after watching him for a few minutes. He spent the majority of his time...
I gave a flagger at Thunder Valley a bit of a lecture after watching him for a few minutes. He spent the majority of his time watching oncoming riders, with only very occasional peeks at the area that he was supposed to be watching.

It's okay to be a fan and a spectator. Just do it on the other side of the fence.
And I am sure he really appreciated it too, everybody is a expert on flagging but they never go flag themselves because they are too "core" to be a flagger. If you aint flagging then people need to STFU and take pictures or watch the race and drink beer or what ever the hell people go to the race to do. Blush Its hard enough trying to get flaggers and then when half the crowd is telling them how to do their job all day they never come back the next year.
We have had to use Jefferson county work release inmates at Lakewood in the past because its only a little better being a flagger than sitting in a cell so that should tell you something about the MX crowd, they eat their young.
11
1
JustMX
Profile picture for user JustMX
Posts
5353
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
JustMX 10/13/2020 6:10pm
10/13/2020 6:10pm
Um,

What flagger?

That is a rider, and he is right up there with the idiots that ignore flags.

Karma paid him a little visit by trashing his bike.

3
Mx286
Profile picture for user Mx286
Posts
491
Joined
9/5/2011
Location
Owensboro, KY, USA
Mx286 10/13/2020 6:25pm
10/13/2020 6:25pm
lostboy819 wrote:
And I am sure he really appreciated it too, everybody is a expert on flagging but they never go flag themselves because they are too "core"...
And I am sure he really appreciated it too, everybody is a expert on flagging but they never go flag themselves because they are too "core" to be a flagger. If you aint flagging then people need to STFU and take pictures or watch the race and drink beer or what ever the hell people go to the race to do. Blush Its hard enough trying to get flaggers and then when half the crowd is telling them how to do their job all day they never come back the next year.
We have had to use Jefferson county work release inmates at Lakewood in the past because its only a little better being a flagger than sitting in a cell so that should tell you something about the MX crowd, they eat their young.
Here recently a guy went down in the middle of a straight away. The crowd was yelling at the flagger probably 40 yards up in the direction of the track instead of the flagger behind the rider. They got that guy all kinds of confused.

Majority of flaggers are inexperienced and don’t really know wants going on. It’s bad enough when someone goes down, but when the flagger sees someone laying there and everyone is yelling at them it makes the situation even worse.
2
Johnny Depp
Profile picture for user Johnny Depp
Posts
6433
Joined
10/16/2014
Location
Buda, TX, USA
Johnny Depp 10/13/2020 6:42pm
10/13/2020 6:42pm
I hate blind jumps.
GuyB
Profile picture for user GuyB
Posts
35722
Joined
7/10/2006
Location
Aliso Viejo, CA, USA
GuyB 10/13/2020 7:31pm
10/13/2020 7:31pm
lostboy819 wrote:
And I am sure he really appreciated it too, everybody is a expert on flagging but they never go flag themselves because they are too "core"...
And I am sure he really appreciated it too, everybody is a expert on flagging but they never go flag themselves because they are too "core" to be a flagger. If you aint flagging then people need to STFU and take pictures or watch the race and drink beer or what ever the hell people go to the race to do. Blush Its hard enough trying to get flaggers and then when half the crowd is telling them how to do their job all day they never come back the next year.
We have had to use Jefferson county work release inmates at Lakewood in the past because its only a little better being a flagger than sitting in a cell so that should tell you something about the MX crowd, they eat their young.
Well, I’m not sure he appreciated it as much as you think.

I started flagging when I was 12 or so, and quickly figured out what was needed on the job.

I also discovered that adrenaline is a hell of a drug. Who knew a skinny kid could pick up a CZ? 😏
9
3
SEEMEFIRST
Profile picture for user SEEMEFIRST
Posts
14213
Joined
8/21/2006
Location
Arlington, TX, USA
SEEMEFIRST 10/13/2020 7:52pm
10/13/2020 7:52pm
I came to watch a buddy race at a relatively new track near me.
I was appalled at the lack of flagging.
I approached the owner, and a few weeks later I found myself running the damn show, and I lasted almost 15 years. And he still calls me to come back.

I had about 8 years of training in SCCA, and have a solid grasp on flagging and communications.

It's something that the flagger must want to do.

To get someone out there every event, you have to pay them, and that's the problem. They're there to make a couple of bucks, not save lives.

I can't tell you how to fix it, but I worked my ass off trying, and it was never what I wanted it to be.

We got close for a while, but it was never great.
8
300exc
Profile picture for user 300exc
Posts
217
Joined
3/5/2018
Location
Provo, UT, USA
300exc 10/13/2020 8:09pm
10/13/2020 8:09pm
There are flaggers and there are people who flag.
Only a flagger knows the difference.
5
WowWowWubzy
Profile picture for user WowWowWubzy
Posts
252
Joined
8/7/2016
Location
Trophy Club, TX, USA
WowWowWubzy 10/13/2020 8:23pm
10/13/2020 8:23pm
The person taking the vid was just waiting for carnage... nice
3
Finnish_Flash_62 10/14/2020 4:42am
10/14/2020 4:42am
JustMX wrote:
Um, What flagger? That is a rider, and he is right up there with the idiots that ignore flags. Karma paid him a little visit by...
Um,

What flagger?

That is a rider, and he is right up there with the idiots that ignore flags.

Karma paid him a little visit by trashing his bike.

I think the rider who broke his leg in 4 places hitting that bike might not agree with the karma.
1
MZ193
Profile picture for user MZ193
Posts
937
Joined
12/14/2018
Location
IT
MZ193 10/14/2020 5:05am
10/14/2020 5:05am
I know that guy who crashed.
I also ride a lot in dornoland.
The problem is that in dornoland everyone have access to the PRO track, which obviously isn't ideal for the newbie with his damn 450 machine.
People crashes and have no experience, and then this happen.
Fuck newbies, there are easier tracks for them. Stupid newbies again.
11
JustMX
Profile picture for user JustMX
Posts
5353
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
USA
JustMX 10/14/2020 7:03am
10/14/2020 7:03am
Finnish_Flash_62 wrote:
I think the rider who broke his leg in 4 places hitting that bike might not agree with the karma.
I just watched the video and didn't realize that the other rider was injured. It is unfortunate that he paid the price for the other rider failing to try to warn him.
1
wasummer46
Profile picture for user wasummer46
Posts
220
Joined
1/11/2017
Location
Raleigh, NC, USA
wasummer46 10/14/2020 7:12am
10/14/2020 7:12am Edited Date/Time 10/14/2020 7:17am
GuyB wrote:
I gave a flagger at Thunder Valley a bit of a lecture after watching him for a few minutes. He spent the majority of his time...
I gave a flagger at Thunder Valley a bit of a lecture after watching him for a few minutes. He spent the majority of his time watching oncoming riders, with only very occasional peeks at the area that he was supposed to be watching.

It's okay to be a fan and a spectator. Just do it on the other side of the fence.
I actually was approached at the MXDN in Lakewood about flagging for the weekend.
I had no idea that 1. They weren't already covered in this area for such a prestigious event and 2. they would approach two friends of a friend, to be flaggers!!

We both declined for the reasons you stated, we figured to do the job correctly you would miss out on the majority of the racing.

And thank god we declined! Seeing 16 or 15 year old Ken Roczen chase down and pass the majority of 450 riders on an oxygen deprived 250 was incredible to see in person!!

If you've ever ridden Thunder Valley on a 250f or 125 you know how bad they are starving for air.
3

Pit Row

See All »
crusty_xx 10/14/2020 9:35am
10/14/2020 9:35am
MZ193 wrote:
I know that guy who crashed. I also ride a lot in dornoland. The problem is that in dornoland everyone have access to the PRO track...
I know that guy who crashed.
I also ride a lot in dornoland.
The problem is that in dornoland everyone have access to the PRO track, which obviously isn't ideal for the newbie with his damn 450 machine.
People crashes and have no experience, and then this happen.
Fuck newbies, there are easier tracks for them. Stupid newbies again.
Doesn't Dorno have a safety system installed that tracks rider movement and then flashes a light when a rider stops moving behind a jump? Guess this jump doesnt have it because it's too small
yaench
Profile picture for user yaench
Posts
1
Joined
9/15/2020
Location
CH
yaench 10/14/2020 9:47am
10/14/2020 9:47am Edited Date/Time 10/14/2020 9:49am
MZ193 wrote:
I know that guy who crashed. I also ride a lot in dornoland. The problem is that in dornoland everyone have access to the PRO track...
I know that guy who crashed.
I also ride a lot in dornoland.
The problem is that in dornoland everyone have access to the PRO track, which obviously isn't ideal for the newbie with his damn 450 machine.
People crashes and have no experience, and then this happen.
Fuck newbies, there are easier tracks for them. Stupid newbies again.
crusty_xx wrote:
Doesn't Dorno have a safety system installed that tracks rider movement and then flashes a light when a rider stops moving behind a jump? Guess this...
Doesn't Dorno have a safety system installed that tracks rider movement and then flashes a light when a rider stops moving behind a jump? Guess this jump doesnt have it because it's too small
Update: it has an eye track camera, as this video shows at 00:58

https://youtu.be/oWzm9rYP4jc
1
plowboy
Profile picture for user plowboy
Posts
14834
Joined
1/3/2010
Location
Norwich, KS, USA
plowboy 10/14/2020 2:59pm
10/14/2020 2:59pm
Everyone of us that has raced has encountered a similar situation. Usually we get lucky but sometimes it can be bad. Flagging isn't rocket science but it does require some knowledge or training and the ability to focus on the task at hand. It's like most "menial" tasks...considered unimportant until it's not done or done wrong...then it's a really big deal. That gal/guy that sterilizes the operating room is paid nothing, poorly trained, and taken completely for granted...until patients get those horrible infections.

I can't speak for others but....free entry, 3 free meals, plenty of water, and a 12 pack at the end of the day buys my talent.
1
1
SEEMEFIRST
Profile picture for user SEEMEFIRST
Posts
14213
Joined
8/21/2006
Location
Arlington, TX, USA
SEEMEFIRST 10/14/2020 3:17pm
10/14/2020 3:17pm
plowboy wrote:
Everyone of us that has raced has encountered a similar situation. Usually we get lucky but sometimes it can be bad. Flagging isn't rocket science but...
Everyone of us that has raced has encountered a similar situation. Usually we get lucky but sometimes it can be bad. Flagging isn't rocket science but it does require some knowledge or training and the ability to focus on the task at hand. It's like most "menial" tasks...considered unimportant until it's not done or done wrong...then it's a really big deal. That gal/guy that sterilizes the operating room is paid nothing, poorly trained, and taken completely for granted...until patients get those horrible infections.

I can't speak for others but....free entry, 3 free meals, plenty of water, and a 12 pack at the end of the day buys my talent.
That's why the SCCA works so well.
Everyone there is a volunteer, and they want to be there to be close to the action, and be a part of it.

Meals, drinks, and an event T-shirt maybe.

We used to do the Ferrari challenge races, and they'd invite Ferrari owners to come for a track day between race sessions.

Those people know how to eat, and drink!
plowboy
Profile picture for user plowboy
Posts
14834
Joined
1/3/2010
Location
Norwich, KS, USA
plowboy 10/14/2020 3:32pm
10/14/2020 3:32pm
SEEMEFIRST wrote:
That's why the SCCA works so well. Everyone there is a volunteer, and they want to be there to be close to the action, and be...
That's why the SCCA works so well.
Everyone there is a volunteer, and they want to be there to be close to the action, and be a part of it.

Meals, drinks, and an event T-shirt maybe.

We used to do the Ferrari challenge races, and they'd invite Ferrari owners to come for a track day between race sessions.

Those people know how to eat, and drink!
Yeah, I have the t-shirts...lol.
EngIceDave
Profile picture for user EngIceDave
Posts
2431
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Merritt Island, FL, USA
EngIceDave 10/14/2020 3:59pm
10/14/2020 3:59pm
SEEMEFIRST wrote:
I came to watch a buddy race at a relatively new track near me. I was appalled at the lack of flagging. I approached the owner...
I came to watch a buddy race at a relatively new track near me.
I was appalled at the lack of flagging.
I approached the owner, and a few weeks later I found myself running the damn show, and I lasted almost 15 years. And he still calls me to come back.

I had about 8 years of training in SCCA, and have a solid grasp on flagging and communications.

It's something that the flagger must want to do.

To get someone out there every event, you have to pay them, and that's the problem. They're there to make a couple of bucks, not save lives.

I can't tell you how to fix it, but I worked my ass off trying, and it was never what I wanted it to be.

We got close for a while, but it was never great.
Karl and I are of the same cloth, we've discussed flagging, rules, etc...
I started flagging when I had to be as young as 9 or 10 (This is mid-70's)

Through my life, flagged many tracks, flagged many types of spots, and up until I started this little biz, if I was at the track, I was flagging, racing or announcing

It's not easy to do, spending all day or night, choking dirt and dust for nominal pay and zero thanks.

When I was announcing, I always closed by telling riders to thanks the flaggers, scorekeepers and track staff on the way out.
1

Post a reply to: Worst spotter “Flagger” award goes too...