Total Disgrace

[SMK]

After Saturday's race, I decided to take my family & 5 year old son in the pits after the races. What I witnessed was a total disgrace and an embarrassment to racing. As we were walking through the pits we found are selves surrounded by a melee of people and before you know it, they had knocked my 5 year old to the ground and knocked off his Jeff Gordon hat. The worst part of it was the next morning when the first words out of my sons mouth was " Daddy that was scary and I never want to go back". It broke my heart. What I have witnessed this season is a total disgrace and my family nor I will ever step foot in this facility or what they call a facility. I still have white paint on one of shirts from the wet paint in the bathroom on opening night. It's an absolute joke!!!! To the Cromarty's....PLEASE SELL THE RACE TRACK TO SOMEONE WHO CARES. YOU HAVE MADE IT QUITE OBVIOUS THAT YOU DON'T. AND IF YOU DO CARE……. THEN YOU'RE DOING A HORRIBLE JOB. EITHER WAY, PLEASE SELL THEY TRACK.
On a happier note, I would like to thank the woman (I don't know who you are) but who offered to buy my son a new hat, because she had witnessed what had happened and then later found his hat and returned it to us. RIVERHEAD RACEWAY NEEDS MORE PEOPLE LIKE THIS.

[00 RBDJ]

I understand how you feel and don't blame you. Three of my four children were right next to it also. It is a disgrace and owning 2 cars, my children are at the track everytime they race. I hope your child wasn't hurt by these animals..

[Hollywood]

SMK,

Bring your son to the track on Sunday the 16th GO karts! No fighting, absolutely enjoyable... We wreck stuff too BUT My family and my son who drives, go home with a smile on our faces.. Dave Brigati and his crew run a GREAT show. Guess what.... if you argue or don't follow the rules you are told to pack up and go home.... Guess what? No one has been sent home.:
applause: :applause:

[SuperShafts]

Shouldn't this be in general disc?..?.....

[00 RBDJ]

Yes, it probably should be in general disc., but seeing which division was having the fight, this is where the discussion ends up.

[ECT-Outlaw]

SMK I am sorry your family had to witness what happens when people just dont care anymore. I hope your son is ok and I don't blame him for not wanting to go back. A lot of people are saying the same thing.

[unowho243]

I was there and I saw the Child get knocked over. I, too, was upset about that, it's just wrong!

[modified_fan]

You guys can slam me all you want for saying this......but.....perhaps the figure 8's and the mods should have been reversed in order.

12 of the mod drivers went to the Cromarty's office early in the eve to petition Barbara and Jim for an earlier start without success.

Regardless of that, emotions happen. Are they preventable....probably not. Have the pits ever been immune to fighting?

Is fighting right? NOT with the pits gates open to the public, but how are you going to stop emotions?

The general public is not paying to see the New York Philharmonic. This is not Lincoln Center.

Having kids in the middle of this mess is deplorable. But, is there an answer to it?

[maestri fan 1]

Emotions run high while you are in a racecar and sometimes they run high when you get out. To say it plain and simple what happend Saturday night was just good old saturday night short track racing.

In regards to the 5 year old who had been knocked down, that is a shame and perhaps drivers and crew should be more aware of their surroundings, although most of the time it is very difficult to do this. And what ever happened to waiting 15 minutes after the races are over to open the gates to the public? All kidding aside, most confrontations are usually settled by that time.

[00 RBDJ]

I don't understand what having the modifieds and figure 8 switching has to do with how people act. Yes we are not paying to watch the New York Philharmonic and no we are not at the Lincoln Center. But we are also not at the WWF or at an Ultimate Fighting Match either.

[RGeeProductions]

And what ever happened to waiting 15 minutes after the races are over to open the gates to the public?

Never heard of that one. It has always been when the last car is off the track.

[maestri fan 1]

Maybe that's what I was thinking of. Well than how about that for a "suggestion" waiting 15 minutes.

[modprincess8x]

Even if it is when the last car is off the track, the pit gates were open before Justin's car came out of Victory lane. Everything was calmed down once we got off the track. So if they waited until the last car was off, children and the general public wouldn't have witnessed this.

[maestri fan 1]

Look the bottom lins is is that when you go into the pits after the races tempers can still be high. You just need to pay attention to your surroundings, and that 15 minute thing I bet would help.

[RGeeProductions]

Ah, let me rephrase,
Never heard of that one. It is SUPPOSED TO BE when the last car is off the track.

[catfish]

Actually, I have not heard it in some time. But the 15 min rule I do believe used to be the way it was.

[W. J.]

If you make the fans stand for 15 minutes in a "cattle call", most of them are going to just leave. However, waiting for the last car off the track has always been policy, and would have helped alleviate the mess that the incident that occurred on Saturday night turned into.
These same types of things have happened earlier in the season, and it was well after the last car had been removed from the track, so don't think that's the fix either. The real fix is acting like you would anywhere else, instead of thinking you're at a hockey match or in a free-for-all. Bad behaviour doesn't help to put people in the seats, whether it occurs in the pits, or on the track.

[RickFigure8]

I, too, have never heard of a 15 minute thing, but usually it's 10 minutes till the victoy interview is over and that usually would be enough time, usually. Unless something substantial is done to the person or persons who instigate the fight, they will just continue to happen.

Rick

[Zemco117e]

I bet if Riverhead PD was in the pits, like at tracks out of state, we would never have to hear about this topic again.... If the officals can't handle it, get the boys who can... I don't think too many people want to wait it out to get into the pits anymore. A lot of people left before the mod feature anyway because of the clean up of the fireworks. In my opinion that was a bad move....

[RGeeProductions]

I bet if Riverhead PD was in the pits like at tracks out of state we would never have to hear about this topic again.... If the officals cant handle it get the boys who can... I dont think to many people want to wait it out to get into the pits anymore. Alot of people left before the mod feature anyway because of the clean up of the fireworks. In my opinion that was a bad move....

First off, most of those tracks, like CT & NJ tracks, are jurisdicted by their respective Dept. of Motor Vehicles. In NY, tracks do not fall under DMV laws, maybe they should and that would correct A LOT....If a person starts a fight or a driver drives into another driver, you are TICKETED OR ARRESTED IMMEDIATELY!!!! And most of these tracks have their State Troopers, not local PD. So there are NO problems....
As for people not wanting to wait. TOO BAD. The pits are not to be opened till the last car is off the track, period. INSURANCE REASONS!!! If it was open say, 10 to 15 minutes after the last race and the winner was still on the track, well, here we have a running race car traveling through the pits to it's stall with the general public walking around. INSURANCE!!! I believe that would be a no no...
Rules should be set with strict penalities in place. You are responsible for your own actions. You start a fight, you are involved in a fight, then you are escorted out for the evening and out the next week, PERIOD. And this is anyone...a driver, pit crew, fan, anyone... Outside security wouldn't work, as most are only there to show a presence so nothing happens. Once it does, they are usually useless. Having RHD PD, as you mentioned, they would have to pay them to be there. Have a fight.....your out!!!!
Just my personal opinion.....

[SuperShafts]

Get some bouncers....if you need a couple give me a call I know a few..

You fight, you're out, it's that simple...

Another idea would be the cars that have incidents together the officials at the end of the race go and hang out near those cars trailers...and do not allow either driver to approach each other...Now you can impose a suspension or what would be better is since the track NEEEEEDS to be resurfaced....$2,500.. fine for pushing, grabbing, bumping chests...and fists thrown $3,500.00 EACH.....if you aren't smart enough to walk away, you're just as guilty.

The best idea and this is the one I LOVE the most is; all those people that hang out at each car helping and standing around....

Use your head and do not allow your driver to do anything, why you don't stop it is beyond me...
The other driver comes over, then you guy's have him leave...

Use the 1st idea and the track should be resurfaced in a few months....you know they're gonna learn the hard way.

[W. J.]

Except for bouncers, and the amounts of the fines, it's all been before or is being done now.

The officials 'hanging around' the pits of those involved in incidents is standard, if you listen to the official's radio, you'd hear it.

It isn't just the drivers that 'get into it, it's anyone remotely associated with the team that may get involved.

Bottom line here is self discipline. Good luck, because as proven way too often, that doesn't always work either.

[00 RBDJ]

Everyone from the team needs to take some responsiblity. Twice, one of our drivers had an issue with another driver and it did get a little loud. But bottom line is, it was talked through and no fists were flying. One of our crew tried to get involved with one of the issues, and as owner and my responsibility, we stopped him and he was told to stay out of it, it happened on the track and they will handle it. It was also well after the crowds left. My husband and I will not tolerate that type of behavior from our team and they know it. If the driver is the owner, I guess it maybe different. But either way, if you can't control your emotions like an adult, then stay in your own pit area until you can calm down.

[concordcharlie]

First off, most of those tracks, like CT & NJ tracks, are jurisdicted by their respective Dept. of Motor Vehicles. In NY, tracks do not fall under DMV laws, maybe they should and that would correct A LOT....If a person starts a fight or a driver drives into another driver, you are TICKETED OR ARRESTED IMMEDIATELY!!!! And most of these tracks have their State Troopers, not local PD. So there are NO problems....
As for people not wanting to wait. TOO BAD. The pits are not to be opened till the last car is off the track, period. INSURANCE REASONS!!! If it was open say, 10 to 15 minutes after the last race and the winner was still on the track, well, here we have a running race car traveling through the pits to it's stall with the general public walking around. INSURANCE!!! I believe that would be a no no...
Rules should be set with strict penalities in place. You are responsible for your own actions. You start a fight, you are involved in a fight, then you are escorted out for the evening and out the next week, PERIOD. And this is anyone...a driver, pit crew, fan, anyone... Outside security wouldn't work, as most are only there to show a presence so nothing happens. Once it does, they are usually useless. Having RHD PD, as you mentioned, they would have to pay them to be there. Have a fight.....your out!!!!
Just my personal opinion.....

A lot of tracks don't let any one in afterwards.

[modprincess8x]

If the drivers could show each other some respect on the track this wouldn't be a discussion. If there was respect shown when something did happen on the track everyone involved could tolerate it. I can't blame the crews, families and sponsors for getting involved in altercations when it is a continuous thing, its their money, time and sweat in those cars too not just the drivers.

[scottyboy39]

If the drivers could show each other some respect on the track, this wouldn't be a discussion. If there was respect shown when something did happen on the track, everyone involved could tolerate it. I can't blame the crews, families and sponsors for getting involved in altercations when it is a continuous thing, it's their money, time and sweat in those cars too, not just the drivers.

Right on. What went down anyway?I was at wall this weekend? But respect is the biggest thing.

[Zemco117e]

First off, most of those tracks, like CT & NJ tracks, are jurisdicted by their respective Dept. of Motor Vehicles. In NY, tracks do not fall under DMV laws, maybe they should and that would correct A LOT....If a person starts a fight or a driver drives into another driver, you are TICKETED OR ARRESTED IMMEDIATELY!!!!
Just my personal opinion.....

Exactly my point.. The fact that they are State Troopers or a local dept. really doesn't matter.. Seekonk has Seekonk PD in the pits And a Prisoner van lol.. Lee NH has Lee Pd in the pits...

[Ace]

The pit gates opened up too early this week for the general public to come in when Justin was still on the track!

The racing, if you want to call it that, has been the worst I've ever seen in the Chargers, LM and Mods.

It's the end of the season and tempers are short EVERY SINGLE YEAR at this time of the season.

As far as fining someone $2,500 for pushing, $3,500 for punching, yeah that sounds good. :rolleyes:

[signman]

Forget about the fighting issue. As far as the pits opening after the races, we were still in tech and had at least a dozen fans crowding around the car, not to mention having to drive the car all the way back to the trailer and trying to get around the ice cream truck. If it is for insurance reasons, then the races really aren't over until all the cars are off the track, out of tech and parked at their trailer.

SS
36 Mod

[SuperShafts]

The pit gates opened up too early this week for the general public to come in when Justin was still on the track!


I do not see the pit gates being open early and fans walking thru as a reason for any problem..i am used to driving thru pit areas with 20 times the amount of fans present RR could ever hold at all times during a race event without ever a incident...with a 44" aero pro scoop limiting any ability to see the right front


It's the end of the season and tempers are short EVERY SINGLE YEAR at this time of the season.

As far as fining someone $2,500 for pushing, $3,500 for punching, yeah that sounds good. :rolleyes:

Yeah your right $5,000 for punching no racing till paid in full

[Ace]

SS, The pit gates opened up too early and THAT'S WHY A KID GOT HIS HAT KNOCKED OFF in the fight, not by some car driving by. The fans wouldn't have been in the pits to see the fight. JB was STILL on the track!

I doubt anyone would acually pay that amount of a fine to continue to race.:D

[SuperShafts]

SS, The pit gates opened up too early and THAT'S WHY A KID GOT HIS HAT KNOCKED OFF in the fight, not by some car driving by. The fans wouldn't have been in the pits to see the fight. JB was STILL on the track!

I doubt anyone would acually pay that amount of a fine to continue to race.:D


Now they might not pay the fine...but how many are going to be that clear headed when they realize...doh! ! so and so ain't here no more because they weren't kidding about the fighting rule and he/she didn't pay...you think maybe one would want to try his luck...i'll bet 1 will and if it's not paid lesson learned to all...

Enforcement isn't fun....Enforcement just needs to be done..

However lets look at it from another point, for example like the sponsor dropping you for behavior/conduct unbecoming...that could be more then a fine, would you bet that that particular car owner is going to allow that to happen again....ever

Behavior/conduct unbecoming... can just be you losing control and screeming and yelling like an idiot, you don't have to hit someone to get that interpretation stuck to you


How about Mike, we lost Mike because things weren't handled professionally...
I stand behind his decision and there should be something done about that...rather then he vacate for someone else's actions...

Anyone touching anyone should be met with severe consequences and that is that...

Let me give you an example...

I was involved in a heated 1 sided argument with a person...i wasn't the heated one but i was being screemed at by an out of control person...that person then charged toward me...but because of his actions prior i had no idea what was going to transpire...i put up my hands and held him at a distance... I had no idea all he wanted was to be in my face and yell so i could feel his breath...but guess what
I was permantley banned life time, i wasn't the aggressor, but i touched, just to hold off, the police were called and i was escorted out...

____ happens and life sometimes isn't fair...but the rule was/is nothing physical... IM not crying about it......like i said Enforcement isn't fun...it just has to be done...you know what i learned from that experience to walk backwards or leave or im sorry sir and go...

...in fact i just had to do it last week with the SCPD and i did nothing wrong...but i was up against a unprofessional officer, who was out of control his mind going at 150 mph and jumping to conclusions...and i make that claim based on having a father who is a insp for the NYPD, a uncle and aunt that are Lt,sgt and 4 other cousins that are police...that never would have taken place if it was NYPD, but it was me that swallowed ____...
Would it have made things better to hit him even though he was wrong and out of control...

Something happened on track oh well go and park the car assess the situation by yourself and pack it up and go home, then try harder not to be near that car... improve yourself