Track setup at Rock Island Grand Prix

[Roger Ruthhart]

From time to time we have been questioned about the design of our track and specifically the appropriate use of plastic barriers.

Recently a racer sent us video from another street race pointing out that they set up the track "the right way" using straw bales directly in back of the barriers. The result is that the barriers don't collapse when hit. This racer said he wouldn't be coming back to Rock Island unless we set up the track "properly."

I explained that providing space behind the barriers helps dissipate energy when hit and keeps karts from bouncing back out into traffic where they can be hit. But to set the record straight once and for all -- and to make sure we were using the barriers in the safest way possible -- we contacted Rick Scribner whose firm manufactures the barriers we use, and Joe Janowski, who underwrites our insurance and must approve our track design. Here is what we learned.

RICK SCRIBNER, president of Scribner Plastics: "The Link Barrier System is ideally setup to move upon impact. We recommend a minimum of 12” inches of free space behind the barrier. While this free space is not feasible in all cases, the movement during a “crash” allows the speed and energy to be dissipated more efficiently rather than relying on the flexing of the plastic surface alone. It is not a requirement to have the barriers backed by something but this is usually dependent on what lies beyond the barriers and the level of protection required.

I have attached a PDF of the warning label we apply to each barrier. You will note that it clearly states the barriers are to define a race course and intended to move upon impact.

This is what the label says: WARNING! Link Barriers are intended for defining a race course for light weight vehicles such as Go Karts, Quarter Midgets and light weight Motorcycles. Link Barriers are intended to MOVE upon impact, NEVER stand near or behind Link Barriers when vehicles are in motion. Vehicles can in extreme circumstances can go OVER, UNDER or THROUGH the Link Barriers. Racing is dangerous and contact with Link Barriers or other vehicles can cause bodily injury or death. Use Link Barriers with caution. Any damaged barriers must be replaced before continued use. It is the users responsibility to assess the safety of the Link Barrier System and its intended use.

JOE JANOWSKI, president National Karting Alliance: Barriers are intended to “wrap” a kart to dissipate energy before hitting a solid surface as well as to rapidly slow a kart before any additional impact. In fact, you do not typically want karts to “bounce” back into traffic. At the Texas GP a number of years ago I was running a shifter and broke a spindle going into a fast right hand turn at the end of the straight. I hit the barriers (that had been set up properly with room to give) at roughly 60 mph. They slowed my kart and I suffered only slight cosmetic damage (to the kart…not me). Had they not, it would have been just like hitting a rigid wall.

So as it turns out, the way we have been designing the track since we started using barriers in 1998 is correct. Our goal is always to make the track as safe as possible for the racers. I hope this encourages our racing friend (and others) to return to Rock Island.

[Mark Erpelding]

WE luv "The Rock" Keep up the good work! ROCK ON!
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We spend our money on Racing, Whiskey, and Women ~ The rest we waste!

[Rich Eisgruber]

Keep up the good work Roger
I was concerned with the addition of the gray barriers used last year but they seemed to be as safe if not safer than the scribner and straw from the previous year
And I don't remember as many ambulance runs last year campared to 2011
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Rich Eisgruber
www.sirakarting.org
Don't blame me, I'm not in charge