Originally Posted by
Drano
We have had this discussion before, and I have expressed myself pretty clearly in opposition to any support for FAASST and PMP if they continue to gamble rider-safety for a paycheck. But, I'll answer your question.
Nope, I haven't. Why? Because I'm firstly not in a position financially to afford a track day. Don't worry, I will be out on the track in 2016. Second, because, even if I had the means to do track days, I won't ride at PMP until they improve their safety practices. A wise consumer will use word of mouth before spending their money, and I've heard enough about PMP to know that I'll not be spending my money there. Most especially, I'm not going to put my life on the line for their buck.
They want me to ride at their track? They had better have an ambulance and sufficient corner workers when I get there. The logic that I should risk my safety now so that they can get the money for better safety in the future is backwards. When it comes to racing, if you build it, they will come, not the other way around. This isn't a restaurant that can only better serve their customers when they get enough money to buy more appliances and pay for more staff. This is a place where safety should be priority #1. I wouldn't pay good money to go to an amusement park that has poor safety and maintenance practices, why should I make an exception for FAASST and PMP? When there is a legitimate risk of serious injury or death at a private facility providing a venue to ride at the limits of both man and machine, then they should be required maintain the highest safety practices to mitigate said risk to the highest level necessary.
If you, or other riders, are willing to gamble on the chance that you won't, some day, crash in such a manner that requires the fastest intervention possible by EMS, then I say more power to you. It's your life to lose. I will side with those who place a higher value on their own lives when paying good money for the chance to legally ride as fast as they dare. If FAASST and PMP offer ambulance services and sufficient corner workers, I'll ride there. I'll happily support them, but I won't do so beforehand.
Before the accusations start popping up that I'm a coward, or that I should compare this risk to that of riding on the street, or if only I knew what it was like doing track days back in the day, just forget it. I have already heard, and understand, your perspective. However, best practices for safety are developed over time from oversights and incidents. FAASST and PMP are ignoring what has practically become the standard for most reputable tracks across the country and are doing so under the claim that they can't afford it. If they can't afford it, then it is time for them to move on.