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2011/2012 MSC New Zealand F-5000 Tasman Cup Revival


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#151 xj13v12

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Posted 13 March 2012 - 21:29

Thanks for the explanation, although I'm not sure I totally agree with some of your points. Qualifying difference has nothing to do with the argument, if the other car was so much faster why were they so close together for several laps preceding the incident? It was my observation that John was faster out of Siberia , so much so that he was able to be positioned such that his right front wheel was at least level with the left rear of the other car, at which point the nose of John's car was level with the cockpit of the other car. To simple ignore his presence at that point and take the racing line is a recipe for disaster. Whilst I concur that it is highly unlikely a pass can be made from John's position, they both could have made it around the next corner. This was a view expressed by the driver in the car directly behind John's . In any event it was an unfortunate incident.

Also to correct you John's accident wasn't at that corner and was as a result of a mechanical failure.


We don't do that "A pillar" "B pillar" nonsense in historic racing and this was clearly stated at the driver briefing. Experts who looked at video made the call. And yes being much faster in qualifying and racing really should count for something. Maybe they were letting the race settle in? I don't know why they were close at that point or if traffic had slowed them all down a little early in the race. Wasn't it on the 2nd lap? The driver behind (can't remember who that was) should certainly be allowed to add his perspective, I don't know if he was interviewed.
All accidents are avoidable using a fraction of patience, except as you point out where there is component failure. I had not heard John say that was the case previously but I do not doubt it is very possible.
Graham's car is basically written off which is a real pity but unlike when John crashed he was not hurt at all.
Stan's car was also badly damaged but T332s seem to be easily repaired by Crawford as they have done so many of them. Stan was hurt but not too seriously.
I have to agree with you to some extent that it is rarely 100% one driver's fault and a question that the stewards would have asked is if Graham had seen John?
You were apparently in a good position to see and obviosuly have a bit of experience watching including lots of racing at that corner on that weekend. I am only pointing out that stewards made a decision. I can't second guess everything that was said. From your vantage point you felt the leading car changed lines more than necessary and making room is important for sure. It shows hows critical these split second decisions are. Once people have calmed down there is usually an admission that both drivers could have done it better or a little differently.

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#152 Lee Nicolle

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Posted 13 March 2012 - 23:43

The Graham Smith involved, is that the Graham Smith who used to race Sports Sedans through the 70s-90s?
I did mean to try and find out on the weekend but could not find the car Friday.

#153 xj13v12

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Posted 14 March 2012 - 06:07

The Graham Smith involved, is that the Graham Smith who used to race Sports Sedans through the 70s-90s?
I did mean to try and find out on the weekend but could not find the car Friday.


No, he was a motor bike racer and an ace restorer having done some very significant cars. Quite a few Allard J2s etc.