SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1545032
RIDING AND RACING SAFELY SCORE Has Increased Safety Measures For Riders By Dan Sanchez Racing motorcycles across the Baja desert has been a long-standing tradition since the beginning of off-road racing. While the two-wheel and quad classes continue to be one of the most exciting forms of Baja racing, it can also be one of the most dangerous. This is why SCORE-International began implementing tactics to improve safety for moto and quad racers, many of which include adapting course changes, providing more emergency response teams, helicopter support, and more. SCORE’s Moto Liaison Andy Kirker, has been an advocate for moto and quad racers, providing SCORE’s President and Race Director Jose A. Grijalva and his team, with information and suggestions that come from Kirker’s own experiences, and his relationship with teams and riders that span decades of Baja racing. Some of the safety measures that have been instituted, begin with giving racers opportunities to stay aware of any changes. STAYING INFORMED One of the first things moto and quad teams must first do to ensure their safety, is to check with SCORE Operations for any recent course changes or added procedures that can take place up to a day before the race. Teams can check for: Course Updates: Teams are encouraged to check with SCORE Operations for any last-minute course changes or new procedures, which may be announced up to a day before the race. Online Resources: Riders should regularly review the SCORE International Website and Racer Information page for updates since pre-running. New safety documents and instructional videos are available online. Mandatory Meetings: All competitors must attend the SCORE Moto and Driver’s Meetings before the race, where any changes and essential safety procedures—including protocols for overtaking by faster four-wheel vehicles—are thoroughly discussed. “SCORE has new moto racer safety documents and videos on the SCORE-International website,” says Kirker. “Any change is announced at the SCORE Moto and Driver’s Meetings before the race, so it’s important that all competitors attend. We often go over procedures on what to do when you get caught by faster four-wheel vehicles, and what four-wheel racers should do when they come up to a slower moto rider on the course.” BLUE LIGHT SPECIALS When Velazquez and Kirker were looking to improve safety on the course for riders, they began by asking SCORE Operations to see if moto riders could also be a part of the SCORE nerfing rule. It was quickly adopted, but in the dust, four-wheel racers thought the red light on the vehicles ahead were another four-wheel vehicle, not a moto rider. “I worked with the Niterider company who makes moto helmet lights, and asked them to produce a blue flashing light,” said Velazquez “They developed one that is now mandatory for all moto and quad riders to wear. The testimony from four-wheel drivers was phenomenal, with many praising the use of the blue light. Now they all know that this light that cuts through the dust is a moto racer. They now have a good visual on every moto rider on the course.” ADAPTING TO WEATHER CONDITIONS Everyone knows it gets hot in Baja, but moto and quad racers also have to deal with early morning starts when temperatures can be very cold. Afterwards, they can also become stressed from the high heat conditions by noon and late in the afternoon. Abrupt changes in weather conditions can prompt an abrupt change to the rules for any given race. “When we get hit with an unexpected heat wave forecast, we add volunteer hydration stations for riders where they can replenish their water supply and electrolytes,” says Andy Kirker. “We’re constantly learning from each event and making the proper adjustments for the next ones. STRATEGIC COURSE PLANNING One of the primary measures taken to enhance safety in off-road motorcycle racing is increased attention to meticulous course planning. Before each race, Grijalva and his team analyze the terrain and figure out where moto and quad racers could get caught from behind by the faster SCORE Trophy Trucks. They look for areas where they can separate the two types of vehicles to provide a large gap between them. Depending on the speed, length, and terrain of the course, these can be added to any race, in order to provide an extra safety buffer for the moto and quad racers. Pre-Race Analysis: The SCORE Operations team carefully reviews the terrain before each event. They focus on identifying areas where motorcycles and quads may be overtaken by faster SCORE Trophy Trucks. Course Design Adjustments: Whenever possible, the course is structured to maintain a larger gap between cars and motorcycles, minimizing the risk of dangerous encounters—especially during long races or at night. Dedicated Sections: Split sections are incorporated into the course, allowing moto and quad classes to ride separately from trucks. Riders appreciate having their own segments, which are less worn from pre-running by larger vehicles, and these areas offer safer opportunities for passing. In areas on the course where there is a lack of course workers, volunteers like Velazquez drive ahead and help man some of the highway crossings. “We stop traffic to let the riders go by, letting them cross safely,” he says. “We also let SCORE Ops know and help when these situations come up.” INCREASING STARTING TIME GAPS For a long time, motorcycle and quad classes have begun well in advance of the four-wheel classes, where the SCORE Trophy Trucks are first off, the starting line. In some races these time gaps are increased for added safety when necessary. In addition, SCORE has employing course safety teams on UTVs ahead of the moto and quad start, to make sure the course is clear before racers enter it. “These teams ride out to the first 50 miles of the course, ensuring there aren’t any closed gates, people, or man-made obstacles,” said Kirker. Each team has warning markers that they can add onto the course, indicating this information to riders of before they reach that point. Most of these UTV teams are made up of volunteers who want to help ensure the safety of the moto and quad racers. STAYING ON COURSE The terrain can look the same after the first hundred miles, especially on a motorcycle or quad. So, to avoid any riders straying off course, which can be an extreme safety hazard, SCORE has increased the use of Check Points and Virtual Check Points (VCPs) to keep racers on the correct route of the course. The VCPs reduce the chance of collisions by preventing racers from using access roads used by chase crews use to get to pit areas or race vehicles on the course. Several VCPs are also placed in areas where slower riders are likely to be caught by the four-wheel vehicles. The implantation of hard stops at some of the cut-off points also helps pull out slower racers, preventing dangerous encounters with faster vehicles. “Every VCP assures that each vehicle or moto crossings follow the course that we want them to,” said Kirker. “By strategically placing a VCP on the course at dirt-road crossings, it funnels the racers to all cross at the same point instead of fanning out, avoiding any collisions with other traffic in those areas. GPS AND TRACKING SYSTEMS Tracking and GPS devices such as the Stella and SPICA systems ensure there’s no deviation from the set course. With these devices, SCORE Operations can keep tabs on riders. “Both are required for moto racers to have, where the Stella is wired to the motorcycle and the SPICA goes with each rider of the team. Once a rider hands the motorcycle off to another rider, the SPICA also must transfer to the new rider,” says Kirker. “These systems can detect a bike that is down on the course or an accident at high speed. If the rider is injured and separated from their bike, the SPICA system can also send out an SOS to alert emergency services. These systems have proved themselves hundreds of times.” Along with the required tracking equipment, Kirker also says that riders can also increase their safety communications by carrying a cell phone, and/or their own personal GPS device like the Garmin in-Reach or SPOT. • VIDEO: Using The Stella System WHAT’S NEXT There are always new safety measures that SCORE Opps, Kirker, Velazquez and others are always trying to see if it can be implemented in SCORE races. One of the latest is the use of moto air-bag vests. “We have been talking to several companies and trying to work with them on providing the safety vests at good price for the riders,” says Velazquez. When we see these and other products or procedures that make sense, we look at them and determine if they can be implemented and bring it up to SCORE.” • SRG Air Vest It’s easy to see that the safety of moto racers in SCORE is a multifaceted endeavor requiring innovative strategies, and proactive measures. From strategic course planning and helicopter support to early starts and advanced game plans, the SCORE Operations team, and hundreds of volunteers, are committed to providing a safe environment for riders to enjoy the thrill of off-road racing. By continuously refining these tactics, the sport can maintain its excitement while prioritizing the well-being of all participants. SJ