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Good points Wayne, I know something has to be done, this was bad but it was so close to being much worse. There has been so many real bad wrecks in DePue. Maybe the course should be shortened to keep the speeds down, I don't know. I do know that I had a bad wreck there many years ago, Don Rusnak was in a very bad one there and Sean had two real bad ones there. Maybe the Nationals bring out the worst in driving for a stupid championship. What does it all mean. Anyway, please keep Sean in your thoughts. He is really depressed right now and needs support. He answers text messages but does not want to talk to anyone right. now. He has an appointment tomorrow morning to have the bandages removed and see what it looks like. Lets hope for the best.
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We hope for the best. Some added safety requirements will be addressed at the USTS fall meeting for all classes as there was accidents in other classes besides Top Hydro so something needs to be addressed regarding safety. Depue is a special place but this was my son Jimmys second trip to the hospital at Depue. We do not want a Third. Once in a runabout and then the Top Hydro. Causes for these type of things can be guessed at by all but changes need to be made. Heck the 125's are going over 80 mph. The more running faster = more accidents.Comment
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Can't wait for the fall meeting, there is a race in Teen. in Sept. Needs to be addressed before this race. We all know why this happened. Major factor, the sun and glare over the water at that time of day. How can any one drive at 100 +mph blind. One lap of racing with a red flag condition. Drivers could not see a red flag or not looking. This was a near fatality, this sport does not need this. I feel the USTS commission or leaders discuss this at the earliest convince. The three that had radio communication were the only ones that knew what was going on.
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As someone mentioned, USTS is affiliated with the NBRA. I highly reccomend this is addressed prior to the next race, or leave these boats off the schedule until it is addressed and teams are able to accomodate the changes if any, within the capsules. I really liked the idea someone had that the judges stand have a main radio and be able to talk to any driver on the course in these capsules. Designate someone in charge of that radio that is standing on judges stand and can react instantly to the referees instructions. I also like the red light idea within eyesight of the capsule driver inside the cockpit. It would designate turn off your engine and stop immediatlety without hesitation. Some good ideas floating around, and I am confident the USTS will overcome this and adopt something for their future.Dave Mason
Just A Boat Racer
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There will be safety issues addressed as I type this. But for all USTS classes not just Capsules. This accident was not a capsule issue per say as Sean was Out of the boat could of happened in a 125,250,350. As similar accidents have.That said improvements will be for all and some will be in force at the next USTS race. pay attention as many should be used in Mod also. The USTS is on the leading edge in powerboat racing and as I like to look into the positive coming out of a situation the USTS will have the correct policies moving forward as it always has in the past.Last edited by raceright; 08-06-2014, 11:07 AM.
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Pat, yes, too much was taken for granted. The fact that Sean was out of the boat and now in short pants and sneakers he was now more vulnerable than any lay down driver. Again, we all know the cause. How do we prevent this? What are the solutions?
We are taking Sean tomorrow morning to have the bandages removed and take a look at what is there. We prey there is no infection as he could loose his foot. Sean is very depressed and mad right now. He really does not want to talk to anyone. I think we all realize this never should have happen. Where do we all go from here? He lost two boats, maybe his foot, may never race again, $200,000 in medical cost which insurance will not cover. At least he is alive, it could have been worse. All we ask right now is to keep Sean in your prayers for a recovery and both physical and mentally. The next several weeks will be a turning point in Sean and Lorraine's life and also 5 year old Chase.Comment
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Man, that's a tough deal. I hope that this will never happen again. As a veteran of a lot of motorsports action I vote that radios become mandatory in all the faster classes (I'm talking mod also) I know that's not a popular idea for folks that struggle to come up with enough money to pay for gas for their pickup to "get" to the races. But, I think it's time to bring boat racing technology into the 1980's and have some communication with the bank.Comment
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Originally posted by propfxrO84 View Post
Bryan,
Radios are legal to use in the NBRA mod/stock classes. You could use one today if you so choose to do. We have a set but have never used them. The only factor that concerns me is the radio person directing the driver in a manner that gives him an advantage on the course.
Bob, give Sean my best, and we will continue to keep him in our thoughts and prayers.Dave Mason
Just A Boat Racer
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That is Why I suggested a 1 way radio system.... Judges stand to boats on water. The driver has no reason to respond back... Just do what the Judges stand says.sigpicWayne DiGiacomoComment
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I just hate this for Sean and family. I last saw him at Kingston and he was so happy and pumped up about racing.
Bob, one comment that is really scary is the $200,000 in medical bills that are not covered. How is that possible with health insurance and NBRA insurance?
Give him my best.
TimTim WeberComment
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Tim, there is no insurance and doubt if K&K covers really anything. -
Tim,
When an insurance company finds out how the person was hurt ( racing event ) they will drop that plan very fast. When I blew over in Camden a ways back and needed stitches the EMT at the ambulance told me to say I fell at the race and cut myself.
When I got back into racing 3 years ago my work insurance would not cover me if I was racing. So its a risky sport and taking chances every time you go out. I don't know much about K&K or APBA's insurance. I do know that there is company's that will cover you if you race, but I have not found one that I could afford to pay.
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Bob,Originally posted by Bob Rusnak View Post
May I suggest that you create a Go Fund Me website (http://www.gofundme.com/) to get the word out and to make it as easy as possible for folks to show Sean their support with a financial contribution? Yes, GoFundMe.com earns a percentage of the gross, but it is a very simple way to reach a much broader range of caring people beyond our small boat racing community. Some amazing GoFundMe.com success stories have been in the news.
And if you think Sean might be in the mood to read mail, please provide a mailing address somehow for those who may want to send him a card.@@@@@@@@@@@@
Mark Ritchie
72@E
Former Boat Racer
21st Century: CSH, CSR, and "J Dad" x2
20th Century: ASH, ASR, BSR, 25SSH, 25SSR
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Sean went to a Trauma Orthopedic center this morning. There is an infection in the foot that they are concerned with. The wanted to put him in a NY hospital and put an IV in him for a few weeks. The cost are adding up rapidly and they need to get back to Texas in a few weeks. He is now on an oral antibiotics and hope that will stop the infection. He needs to have blood work done and have the results go to a infection control unit to determine what need to be done. He went through enough today so will do this first thing in the morning. It is very serious and Sean needs you help and support.Comment
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I've created a page where anyone can chip in to help out Sean and the family.
http://www.gofundme.com/cpv6bsW71Comment
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Here's a link to the oneway receiver that most short tracks are using. With earbuds, it's less then 2 fillups for the pickup.
http://www.raceceiver.com/Drivers/shop/fusion/
Thoughts and prayers with Sean and family.
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First of all. I consider Sean a friend and I hope and PRAY for his full recovery.....that Is THE most important thing. BUT, please understand, insurance, no matter what association or group buys it. Is just a way to allow us to do what we love to do. It really doesn't cover anything (contrary to popular belief) BTW, the largest boat race (that I am aware of) is racing with NO insurance whatsoever. I don't want to get in the middle of a sh!+ storm, so, I will leave it for y'all to figure out which one. (I go to it every year and hope that nothing happens to end a 25+ year run of awesomeness)Comment
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Sean has an infection on his foot and hope it can be controlled. We took him for a blood test yesterday and waiting for the results. The doctors wanted to put him back in the hospital here in NY and keep him on an IV. We are hoping the results will come out OK. He has been quiet, sleeping a lot but eating pretty good. I know he wants to return to Texas but that can not happen right now. Please keep Sean in your thoughts and prayers. We want to thank all that have been supportive in this bad time. I will keep all informed on what the situation is and if there is any improvement.Comment
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Praying and believing for a full recovery for Sean and for financial restoration.Praying also for Bob ,for wisdom and strength and grace and strength for the rest of the family. Maybe if he gets the IV antibiotic it will get him back to Texas faster. Doctors like to start you on IV antibiotics in the hospital so if you have allergic reactions you can receive proper treatment if you do ok you may be able to finish the treatments at home ,talk to the doctors maybe you can get a compromise from the Doctors thats good for his foot and better for his pocketbook. ( I did homecare IV treatment on my son for two years and also my wife for a short term illness)Comment
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