FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: I saw your article about curbs at VIR. You asked why curbs had not been ground in various areas and said it was a mystery why this hadn’t been done. The simple reason is because no one asked for it do be done. Whenever AMA Pro Racing or a riders committee have brought to our attention curb areas that need grinding, we have done the grinding expeditiously. I thought this matter was resolved as no one ever mentioned anything to me about curbing at VIR since 2007 which was the last time we extended the ramped areas. I addressed the riders meeting at this past weekend’s event, and no one said anything to me there or after about the curbs. It is only when we receive feedback that we can address areas of concern, and it is my goal to work hard to make VIR rider-friendly and to cure problems that can be anticipated if feasible. Please let me know if you have any questions about our policy or wish to discuss further. Best regards, Josh Lief General Manager VIRginia International Raceway Alton, Virginia FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: The enclosed picture illustrates what can happen at VIR in Turn 4. At the time I thought it was a cool picture being my first year racing as an Expert. I experienced the sharp curbing in Turn 4 firsthand when my right knee slider was ripped off. Luckily I was not injured at the time and continued racing without dragging my knee. If you look closely you can see the knee slider flying through the air. This was from the March 2004 WERA Regional event. Jeffrey Agnes Wooster, Ohio FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Thanks for making the issues about the VIR curbs, public. We’ve been doing track days there for years and have had far too many hyper-extended legs, bruised knees, lost knee pucks and ripped leathers from the VIR curbs. A lot of us make the point of lifting our legs to avoid this. At our level of riding it’s not an issue but I can see where the pros, who have more lean angle, would have an issue. Thanks again. George Benes Wilson, Pennsylvania
More About Riders Wacking Knees On Sharp-edged Curbs At VIR, Complete With A Photo Of A Flying Kneepuck
More About Riders Wacking Knees On Sharp-edged Curbs At VIR, Complete With A Photo Of A Flying Kneepuck
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