SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1545032
AN EYE IN THE SKY SCORE Helicopters That Spot Moto Racers On The Course By Dan Sanchez Helicopters play a crucial role in SCORE off-road motorcycle safety. Equipped with a spotter and a trauma surgeon, the helicopter and its team take-off as soon as the sun comes out, with the goal to get out ahead of the first riders on the course. The efforts of having a moto dedicated helicopter team include: 1.: Warn spectators that the moto racers are coming through. 2: Offer advanced warning to riders of upcoming obstacles they may not be able to see. 3: On-board trauma surgeon can provide immediate aid to a downed rider. 4: Provide immediate emergency transport of seriously injured riders to a hospital. “This tactic has worked tremendously well, offering an extra layer of protection during critical segments of the race,” said SCORE Moto Liaison Andy Kirker. “During this past SCORE San Felipe 250, when the temperatures soared, we stopped and helped several moto and quad racers who appeared dehydrated and needed water.” In one instance, SCORE Opps asked Kirker and his team to check on a moto racer that was seen sitting under a tree. “As soon as we spotted him and were attempting to land, he too-off and we assumed he was okay and just taking a break. Nevertheless, we always want to check on individuals who appear to need assistance.” CARSON DAVIS PRO MOTO IRONMAN 799X Another helicopter stop that Kirker recalled from the SCORE San Felipe 250 was that of Pro Moto Ironman rider Carson Davis, on the 799x bike. “We saw him and he looked like he needed help,” said Kirker. We watched him for a few minutes and then landed next to him and gave him some water, electrolytes and some energy bars. We were happy to see him at the finish line safe and healthy.” For Davis, it was a moving experience, one he will never forget. “This was my first SCORE race and I had spent a few weeks riding there to get used to the terrain, “ he said. “I didn’t prep as well as I should have as I ran out of water. Also, the zipper on my backpack broke, so along the way, I lost my nutrition bars and I was struggling.” In addition, Davis was having trouble with the bike’s fuel pump, so it put him a few hours behind the time he set for himself for each section of the course. “I anticipated finishing in eight hours and when I was pulled over, I was at hour 10 with many more to go,” said Davis. “I was there by myself with now crew or anyone to replenish my water. I was deciding to turn and head back on the highway back to Ensenada when I had this thumping in my chest. I didn’t realize the helicopter was over me and when they landed, Andy Kirker and his team checked on me, replenished my water with electrolytes and handed me some nutrition bars. They paced me for the next couple of hours until it got dark, and I was able to finish the race in 13:41:37, before the 14-hour time limit.” • Video: SCORE Moto Safety Helicopter Team Helping Carson Davis Happy to finish the race, Davis’s experience showcases the efforts SCORE’s Moto Safety team goes through to help as many riders as possible. “I grew up racing UTVs and did that for more than 10-years,” said Davis. “I also raced Enduros and I believe that experience helped me in this SCORE San Felipe 250 race. The knowledge that I have now, is very different. SCORE desert racing isn’t so much about performance, but more about hydration and nutrition, especially in the Ironman Class. SCORE was a huge help, and I would not have been able to finish without the help of the helicopter team.” A GOOD GAME PLAN While this situation proved to have a great ending, it proves that in order for the helicopter team and all SCORE Ops and safety teams to function properly, everyone needs to have a proper game-plan. “This includes planning fuel stops for our helicopter to remain close to the leaders and ensuring that support teams are never too far away,” adds Kirker. “By riding alongside and planning strategically, our team can quickly respond to unexpected situations and provide timely assistance to the participants.” SJ