Wow! What a weekend! Atmosphere is a key word for CTMX. I genuinely feel welcomed and appreciated by CTMX. It is proven to us in their conduct and in their quality Motocross Racing experience. The most apparent descriptive word(s) that come to mind for the CTMX atmosphere is Family and Community.
Even though the emotions of a Family and Community can be all warm and fuzzy...Order and Accountability must exist if we ALL want the ENTIRE event to reach it's full potential. I mean that we all have a responsiblility to each other to do things right.
Pit Riding for example...we all need to stand up and do our part and keep it that way...we need to put each other in order and keep each other in order...it will only lead to the end of pit riding craziness and make the atmosphere that much more enjoyable. I would suggest licensed drivers only and if you are on two-wheels and under 21...you must wear a helmet. $5 per event with a name attached to the pit vehicle sticker for accountability. Perhaps no 2-wheeled pit vehicles unless it passes tech inspection. Kids pedal.
Imagine if we came together as a community and kept pit riding at bay? Just like neighborhood crime watch. Of course leadership must be in place as Final Authority and by leading the way...that is us; CTMX Staff. We made progress with flagging, staging, track prep, and overall operation and an EMT weakness was revealed. Pit Riding was a stalemate. The canopy is just plain old foul thievery ...shame on you whoever stole them.
I'm thinking 5 more flaggers at most...atleast 3...prolly 4. The CMA staff did step it up and are eager to become quality flaggers. The original plan for me to be a mobile flagger like Jeremy F. got foiled when staging was experiencing some hiccups...so I had to go there and pull double duty as a Ref. and Staging Director. Their will be a flagging course (including EMT calls and responding to crash scenarios) given to CMA who provides about 7-8 committed, responsible, and compitent flaggers before the next race at CTMX. We need to provide all flaggers radios and better flags. We made some good steps forward and will continue to.
Staging is getting better...the next time should be our best yet..and then consistent from their, along with flagging and pit riding. I am gonna put some effort into pit riding as well by taking a stroll through the pits at different times the next race when the track is under control. Jeremy does what a promoter should do...keep his eyes on the race track as much as he can.
Jordan...it was partially my fault, your fault and CTMX's for you gate drop mix up.
Late is late...it happens. But I personally didnt check you through...but I could have been turned away or not present for a moment...it happens...but when staging the riders...I call out numbers three times and move on. I did talk to every rider personally that was on time...every Moto, every change; riders that made sure to comply with staging policy and structures. I agree on not changing things once they are printed...but sometimes what looks good on paper isn't good on the track, and sometimes we just plain goof something up. We do have communication...I didn't hear Dan when he was calling for me...it happens. He had the correct paperwork but was confused himself a little...my fault. You were cool about it...thank you. The gate drop change for the second Moto with A, B and +25 was heavily warranted just like the 65/Girls gate drops. The other one between 2-stroke and collegeboy...some reasonable concerns by the riders were made and as a ref (also pulling double duty in staging that was not originally planned) I decided to put it to a majority vote. It was changed.
For sure good job to scoring...I had a little trouble with #65's in when staging the Seniors...I was thinking "good luck" to scoring...but they are talented...no worries.
And Mrs. Lotts...your called to sign-up for a reason! Go!
My complaint to CTMX. Will you please stop Dogs from peeing on me. I heard CTMX does an overall GREATJOB and is a really FUN (PURE) atmosphere and that the staff isfriendly and cares. Guess I was dooped. I was just trying to do my job and be hospitable by petting a black lab while kneeling. Look up to the owner as I am petting him and then I feel my leg getting wet. The dog hike his leg and marked his territory. Come on CTMX...if I am doing something wrong...you can't just talk me...you don't have to send a dog to whizz on me. Geeez. I mean...the CTMX staff is easy to get along with...what gives! Is it because I am a ginger? I have feelings ya know; and a soul to boot!!!
EMT's...I know CTMX and all of OMA take rider safety seriously. EMT's are trained not to move quickly to prevent injury to themselves or induce panic. We need a UTV for them...as well as a trained Flagging staff for "Potential EMT" and "Active EMT" scenarios. Experience, training, and chemistry are the next three major are areas to be addressed with "On Track Safety."
I told the 65 rider not to move once he described his pain and injuries and just talked with him calmy until EMTS arrived. I was not letting anyone move him until them, including the Father. We do need a better response time but also, but we can't be calling bluffs regularly if ya know what I mean. Both Refs worked the crash scene. With 4 people flaggingat least. It was under control. Better to error in being overly safe than not taking a situation serious enough...balance is the hard target. Balance in the entire program. That's the goal.
We learned alot. CTMX will improve, has improved, and is Proven. We are already working on next season while working this race on raceday. Thank You! Brap!
Glad to be with CTMX and all of you.
I support CTMX 100%. Thank you for including me, it is an honor!