[LM24 Race] Pit lane helmet rule

[Adam43]

There was a comment on RLM about having to wear a helmet in the pit lane, something about being over 2.5m from pits proper?

Does anyone know what this new rule is exactly?

[Samoan Attorney]

Originally Posted by Adam43

There was a comment on RLM about having to wear a helmet in the pit lane, something about being over 2.5m from pits proper?

Does anyone know what this new rule is exactly?

If you working in the pit lane, you have to wear fire resistant overalls and a helmet, for the media this can be a open-face cycle/extreme sports lid. The only exemptions are for TV cameramen and presumably the talking heads..........both of whom caused most of the problems in the first place.

How this will make us safer is unclear...................

The 2.5 metre reference seems to be the white line in front of each pit that the mechanics have to stand behind during refuelling and tyre changes.

[deggis]

What about team personnel? e.g.

http://www.toyotahybridracing.com/wp...he_1024_17.jpg

I remember that like around 2008 many were still wearing only balaclavas. I thought was nonsensical when at the same time the tire gun rule was changed in the name of safety.

[Samoan Attorney]

Originally Posted by deggis

What about team personnel? e.g.

http://www.toyotahybridracing.com/wp...he_1024_17.jpg

Of course Audi & Pug mechanics have had that kind of helmets for a while now also, but I remember that like around 2008 many were still wearing only balaclavas. I thought was nonsensical when at the same time the tire gun rule was changed in the name of safety.

That photo was taken on Saturday I guess, during a pit stop practice. The mob behind have no suits nor tabards. I did not see any umbrellas in the pit lane on Sunday

I agree that it is pointless to simulate pit stops without wearing all the mandated gear..........but Toyota are newish to the endurance game.

[Samoan Attorney]

This has just come in from the ACO in a release about safety improvements

Finally, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest has also reinforced the safety of the people working at the trackside. Everybody on the pits straight now has to wear helmets be they track marshals, controllers, photographers, cameramen etc. This measure has been taken to limit the consequences of being hit by a moving car.

Let's see if the camera pointers and talking heads actually end up wearing the headgear.

[Simmi]

I'd don one of these just to mess with the French!



I'm sure there will be a few colourful interpretations of the rule.

[Aysedasi]

That is seriously hideous........

[Adam43]

Originally Posted by Samoan Attorney

If you working in the pit lane, you have to wear fire resistant overalls and a helmet, for the media this can be a open-face cycle/extreme sports lid. The only exemptions are for TV cameramen and presumably the talking heads..........both of whom caused most of the problems in the first place.

How this will make us safer is unclear...................

The 2.5 metre reference seems to be the white line in front of each pit that the mechanics have to stand behind during refuelling and tyre changes.

Thank you.

[dj choc ice]

Having worked as a photographer in pit lane (not at Le Mans.) If you are using a bulkier than usual DSLR I imagine the helmet will just get in the way and be a pain in the backside. Do any other race series have a similar implementation of this rule for media types in pitlane? Haven't seen anything like this in F1 or Indycar.

[Samoan Attorney]

Originally Posted by dj choc ice

Having worked as a photographer in pit lane (not at Le Mans.) If you are using a bulkier than usual DSLR I imagine the helmet will just get in the way and be a pain in the backside. Do any other race series have a similar implementation of this rule for media types in pitlane? Haven't seen anything like this in F1 or Indycar.

This rule has been in for some time in ALMS, it would appear that those of us working the FIA WEC are now condemned to endure the same security theatre.............the only good news is that it would appear that camera pointers and the radio/tv bletherers will also have to be "protected".

My guess is that this will extend to other race series as the combination of health/safety regulations, insurance dictates and personal criminal liability issues, force the powers that be to increasingly desperate measures.

[gwyllion]

Originally Posted by Samoan Attorney

If you working in the pit lane, you have to wear fire resistant overalls and a helmet, for the media this can be a open-face cycle/extreme sports lid.

Like http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/galle...e-pitlane.html

[Samoan Attorney]

Jolly ridiculous I look too..............in 30 years of shooting endurance races I have never needed head protection, keeping your eyes and ears open was good enough.

Ulrich Baretzky saw me and declared that it is proof that the French have a sense of humour............and that was the kindest thing that was said to me at Audi

[gwyllion]

I found it strange that in Spa the Michelin guys suddenly were wearing helmets: http://www.lemanslive.com/en/2012/05...al-protection/

Originally Posted by Samoan Attorney

I agree that it is pointless to simulate pit stops without wearing all the mandated gear..........but Toyota are newish to the endurance game.

Yet in F1 you see a lot of pitstop practice of mechanics in shorts.

[Samoan Attorney]

The real problem that no one wishes to address is that there are way too many "media" in the pit lane, and trackside for that matter. Cut the access to those who actually get work published in recognised outlets, and for real money, and the numbers and the risk of an incident would be reduced.

Also the lack of experience amongst those getting passes is staggering, drivers have to get a license by proving themselves in competition. so should those media wishing to work in proximity to racing cars. It would prevent much of the clueless behaviour that I witness on a regular basis, it might also improve the poor quality of their output if they were forced to think about their actions.

However it is easier to make everyone wear headgear, avoids confrontations and tough decisions.

But what do I know?

[rich07]

Originally Posted by gwyllion

Like http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/galle...e-pitlane.html

Looking good John!

You make some good points John. Unfortunately this situation is not only at Le Mans but other motorsport events too. Maybe there should be tougher criteria to qualify for a pitlane pass? Taking into account experience and who they're employed by amongst other things.