As I’m sure thousands of you have already read, safety improvements across areas covering aspects including marshalling, course management, medic response to accidents will be implemented at the world’s most famous road race, the TT Races from 2022 on-wards.
The Safety Management System led by Manxman Nige Crennell and Doctor Gareth Davies, features amongst countless subtle, major changes the following:
Marshalling:
* Investment in training for TT marshals.
* Most proficient marshal training course to take place prior to the 2022 TT.
* Investments covering marshalling posts, PPE (personal protective equipment) for marshals, medical response.
Medical Upgrades:
* Introduction of an site medical centre.
* A fast response vehicle to be acquired.
* Drug, alcohol protocols with a zero tolerance approach.
Changes for Racers, Teams:
* Chill-out zone for racers to be introduced.
* Data analysis tools, identifying incident instigators.
* Rider PPE: Proposed intro of FIM helmet homologation.
* Racers to start one by one during qualifying sessions, not as in previous years side by side.
On Course Changes:
* Digital Red Flag System – as previously showcased at Moto GP, Formula 1 events.
* CCTV (closed circuit television) cameras placed around the Mountain Course.
* Race Control centre to be re-designed, featuring updated equipment.
* GPS tracking system covering all race machines, course cars, travelling marshals, response cars, to be trialled during TT 2022, implemented in full for TT 2023.
In the pits:
* Pit boxes to be extended, four person crews now allowed.
* Wireless timing system now at entry and exit of pits.
* Brand new railings assisting filling fuel dispensers.
Paddock 2020’s style:
* Parc Ferme size to get bigger.
* Information screens in digital form.
* New look winners enclosure.
What’s listed above is just a brief round-up of a comprehensive safety overhaul for the world’s most famous road race.
Some will argue that some of the changes are not needed, some will say that’s wrong, that’s right, that could be better.
Overall though when you look in full at what’s to be implemented, introduced the majority in my opinion makes sense and will hopefully help ensure the future of road racing’s Monaco Grand Prix, Daytona 500, Indianapolis 500, Le Mans 24 Hour, Tour De France equivalent.
Photo credit: Mark Corlett
Information courtesy of TT Races press team
Words by Stevie Rial #dontletfearcontrolyou