[Steelspine]

Folks,

I've never raced, rallied, autoX or cliniced, would the steel rods in my back prohibit me from participating in any of the events?

Thanks,

Pete

[Jim Richards]

Pete, I have a problem in my lower back, but sitting and pressing the pedals is not a problem. DE's work out just fine.

[cmartin]

I would get clearance from your doctor first, just to be safe. Also, make sure you complete the PCA medical form in detail, that should do it. Have fun!

[Steelspine]

Cool. Thanks for the info. I am trying to convince my wife that it is a built in rollcage but she isn't buying it.

[racer]

Good information above. Bottom line... Use common sense and if you have a medical condition that affects how you might be driving, let your instructor know (maybe others too, but at least the person who puts their safety in your hands)

I had the pleasure of instructing a student who, for most of the day, kept driving about 6 feet off the apex in right corners, but much closer on left corners. I couldn't figure out why, as I assumed my instruction was spot on . It was only during the track side dinner, that the student relayed a story about how he no longer sails because of an accident that has limited his vision in his right eye! Great! I spend all day at high speeds with a person who didn't feel the need to tell me that he is almost legally blind in one eye! While the next day we were able to improve, I felt much better knowing my students limitations.. and knowing them up front would have been better still.

[Jase007]

Pete:

I've never raced, rallied, autoX or cliniced, would the steel rods in my back prohibit me from participating in any of the events?

I agree with the advice you have gotten above and would also suggest getting a Dr. to check out your physical capabilities (sort of like the tests PT / Industrial Dr. / nurses give for people with worker's Comp injuries befor returning to work. X amount of weight in this or that extension).

I regularly race with guys that have some physical limitations: loss of hand, partial loss of vision in one eye, etc... Just think, Zanardi is doing Italian Touring Cars (in a 2.0L BMW) with his loss of limbs. Several guys I run with have had multiple bypass surgery (my father included) and they certainly do fine.

Go for it I say.

Jase

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by racer

I had the pleasure of instructing a student ...

Not to hijack too badly, did you instruct at the HPDC this past September?

[Steelspine]

Again thanks for the info. I think I titled my question poorly. I just wanted to make sure there were no rules prohibiting participation. I USED to have back problems but my only limitation now is zero flexibility in 3/4 of my spine. Strength is still pretty good, I did drop the transaxle of the 944 turbo without a jack! Don't tell my doctor or my wife.

[Charlie Stylianos]

Pete, I saw go for it. Eespecially if the doc. gives his ok. DE's are such a blast and a great way to relax (believe it or not).

Reminds me of a funny story....

A buddy of mine was instructing for a Car Guys venue at VIR a few years back. After his first session with a green student driving a Mustang Cobra, he tells me that his students hands and head were shaking considerably more than the current track/car vibrations. After the session, he was talking to his student about that last session, all the while while the students hands and head were still shaking. The student notices Adam watching his gestures in confusion, THEN decides to inform him of his mild Parkinsons.

He would have much appeciated that info well inadvance.

[Steelspine]

Let's hear it for the instructors out there! It can't be easy, especially when details like vision problems are saved for after the track!