SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1482081
A BEACON FOR SAFETY Daniel Velazquez Showcases Products For Moto Racer Safety By Dan Sanchez Photos courtesy NiteRider and Danny Velazquez Along with SCORE’s Andy Kirker, many other individuals have also been active in promoting safety for moto racers during SCORE races. Representing various moto product manufacturers is Daniel Velazquez of Carrera 777, who works closely with many moto teams to get feedback and showcase new products designed to improve safety on the racecourse. Velazquez is a moto racer himself, competing in past SCORE Baja events. His moto experience, along with representing various manufacturers of moto products, allows him to be a conduit between what teams need and the products that offer the best support and safety. One of the most recent needs from moto racers is a light that is powerful enough to use as a backup, in case the main headlight on the motorcycle or quad goes out during a race. “Racers like to use helmet lights as a backup,” says Velazquez. “But some of them are not bright enough or can’t withstand the abuse of off-road racing. When I got to know the owner of NiteRider products, for example, a manufacturer of LED helmet lights, I wanted to represent them at races because their products stood out in design, quality, and capabilities.” NiteRider has been making action sports lighting for 33 years and recently came out with their new Pivot Pro 320 Headlamp which is rechargeable, features a patented twist-to-lock mounting system, and provides 320-lumen of light. The Pivot Pro 320 has nine different lighting modes, starting with a low beam white LED with 36 hours of runtime, and at full power offers two hours of runtime. A NiteVisionRed mode can be used by co-pilots/navigators because it will not disrupt the drivers’ vision and focus. According to Velazquez, improved lighting systems like these are helping moto racers stay safer during off-road racing, increasing visibility for the riders at night, but also preventing them from being accidentally hit. “Safety lights for moto racers are crucial during a race,” he says. “SCORE implemented the red flashing light for riders so that approaching vehicles can see them in the dark and in heavy dust. But some riders got accidentally bumped by vehicles in heavy dust, thinking they were a four-wheel competitor because of the red flashing light.” Working with Andy Kirker and SCORE, Velazquez helped push through a new rule that was adapted for riders to use a flashing blue light instead of red. “The blue light can be seen from a mile away and companies like NiteRider worked with Kirker and SCORE’s President and Course Director, Jose A. Grijalva, to improve their products for the benefit of the riders,” said Velazquez. As feedback from racers and manufacturer representatives such as Velazquez comes forward, SCORE can adopt additional safety measures to further improve the sport for its riders. “In the end, it’s not all about selling products, but finding the best products that improve safety for riders and letting them know about it,” says Velazquez. “If people like Andy Kirker and Jose Grijalva are made aware of better ways to improve the safety of its moto racers, changes can be made quickly and for the benefit of everyone.” SJ