Moderator: 3ne2nr Mods
Sheldon Bissessar wrote:June 16, 2008
Chairman of Trustees
Trinidad & Tobago Automobile Sports Association
Attn: Dr. Baboolal
With reference to the letter dated May 21, 2008, Sheldon Bissessar and the Party Time Racing Team has taken an in depth look into the situation regarding drag racing at Camden, the concerns of Briko and the findings of the audit conducted by the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) in May 2008. We are of the opinion that these concerns can be rectified in a manner that can be beneficial to all parties involved thereby trying to find a way to keep our beloved sport of drag racing alive and growing. As you are aware drag racing is a national sport that has always been an inspiration to the young people of our country. It instills discipline, dedication and and a relentless thirst for knowledge with the aim of having an advantage and becoming the best one can be.
The following are the concerns noted by Briko and possible remedial steps:
Concern 1. The restricted area will be not less than 1000 feet East from the fueling facility.
Absolutely no person or vehicle would be allowed within this area.
Concern 2. The facilities would be returned to its original state by the following day.
Concern 3. The use of alcohol is prohibited.
Concern 4. TTASA would erect a temporary fence to ensure that no person or vehicle is allowed within the restricted area.
Concern 5.There would be no tampering of the runway surface either land or airside areas within the airport.
Concern 6. TTASA has created a dump heap on the eastern end of the runway with the burning of tyres and garbage. This is to be cleared immediately.
Concern 7. There are obstacles – concrete pillars on the southern side of the runway. This must be cleared immediately.
Concern 8. The illegal dredging of the southern side of the airstrip, a drain and a raised area about 2 feet above the ground level. This area of obstacles are to be restored to its original state.
Concern 9. There are tyres and other obstacles on the runway. These obstacles are to be removed immediately.
Concern 10. The CAA has advised that no chemical application is to be made on the runway.
Concern 11. During an audit conducted by the CAA around the second week in May 2008, a 10 inch, ½ inch piece of steel was found embedded in the centre line of the runway protruding 6 inches in the direction of take off.
Dr.Baboolal, our two main issues are concern no. 5 and concern no. 10. We believe with the information we have acquired we can safely work with the application of track bite for drag racing and the removal of track bite to meet airstrip requirements. Our request to you for approaching Briko is for the approval to prepare only 300 feet on both sides of the airstrip. This
would solely be for the application and removal of track bite. No solvents whatsoever would be used so as to eliminate the solvent degradation of asphalt surface. We have had dialogue, through it’s local agent, Lube Tech Ltd. with Mr. P. J. Harvey, President of PJ Brands, owner and manufacturer of VHT and PJ1 products, who coincidentally is a licensed pilot. We asked him for his recommendation on the removal of traction compound. He indicated to us that he understands the safety concerns but this procedure of applying track bite for drag racing and the removal of track bite for airstrip operations, is a fairly common practice being used throughout the United States. His recommendations for the removal of track bite is as follows:
1. Scrape entire area prepared with track bite and rubber, so as to remove same.
2. Sweep area.
3. Scrub entire area with Tide Ultra 2X, as recommended by PJ Brands. This would restore surface to original condition, thereby eliminating safety issues.
All of the concerns appear to be fairly straightforward and can be addressed with proper planning, finance and manpower. The Party Time Racing Team is willing to approach the corporate business community to try and obtain manpower and equipment to address Briko’s
concerns. Should this not be entirely possible, the support of TTASA, promoters and drivers may be required. Sheldon Bissessar and The Party Time Racing Team is of the opinion that if all of these concerns are addressed and adhered to, and we receive approval to prepare a 300 foot
launching pad and remove same, the sport of drag racing can continue in a safe and enjoyable manner for all.
Dr. Baboolal, in conclusion the message we are trying to convey is that we are gravely concerned about the immediate future of drag racing in Trinidad & Tobago. It is not an issue of money, business, promotion or fame and neither is it an ego trip. It is an issue of national concern pertaining to a sport, and as you know this should not be taken lightly. I have personally met Mr. Dass (CEO of Briko) while conducting work at the airstrip and he seems to be a very intelligent and reasonable individual. Therefore your approach to him in trying to obtain approval for the application and removal of traction compound to only a mere 300 feet is
crucial. As outlined before, we have data and support from the manufacturers of the product to substantiate this procedure.
Dr. Baboolal, it is my view that we abide by the opinion of Briko’s CAA audit and the stipulations outlined by Briko. Please try your utmost best to convince Mr. Dass that we can work together with him so as to ensure a beneficial outcome for the sport and our country.
So Dr.Baboolal let governing bodies govern, let the promoters promote and let the drag racers drag. As Abert Einstein said IMAGINATION is more important than knowledge.
SHELDON BISSESSAR
MANAGER, PARTY TIME RACING TEAM
Contact Nos. : P.J. Harvey : 1â€
AutoSport wrote:One major point missing here is the concerns about Street Racing. It is a fact that a lot of those who indulged in street racing took the opportunity to race at Camden. However there were no stipulations that street racing must be discontinued by said competitors, under pain of being banned.
And now with the cancellation of the S2 Event, and no immediate new dates in mind because of the major concerns raised in a document sent to TTASA by Briko, already we are hearing of a new upsurge in street racing.
swag wrote:It blows my mind to see such an important issue being discussed/reviewed and the response from "link" is to bash Autosport about not applying for a date?
Truly shows the love and commitment this guy has for motorsport and our sports men and women.
PLEASE WRITE CONSTRUCTIVE COMMENTS LINK AND KEEP YOUR PERSONAL PROBLEMS TO YOURSELF.
I dont normally get involved with this stupid type of behavior but when one of the types of motorsport we all love is being threatened to be shut down once more and a professional like Sheldon Bissessar takes his time to try to resolve some of the issues and concerns, it is rather stupid to spend time bashing each other.
Is this going to solve any of these concerns or problems link. Please use you intelligence constructively link.
zaxxon1 wrote:We need to have positive comments for an issue like this. If it means we have to have a trial meet we could do that also to show these things can be done successfully. People are building again and the interest is there, so we should be working to foster it and not point fingers or be negative. For sure there will be free race days starting from next weekend, so we could pull off a mock race meeting and just make money for the track preparation and de-prepration (new word here). I am sure there are a lot of drivers and supporters that will come forward if called upon.
SR wrote:come on link
tell the rest of the story
why dont you tell eveyone that there are certain individuals within TTASA who does not want rawle mahabir to step foot into camden nor promote an event including yourself
turbo master wrote:lemME get in a bit
mervyn bonnet said this to ME
rite now I believe we need someone
I have the answer
as far as I see it, there is to be racing
we all are involved & stakeholders in the track
turbo master wrote:let's hope next time, people could put their $ where their mouth is & come forward to help take motorsports to higher standard
AutoSport wrote:So Link, you see proof of Autosport requesting dates, what next?
Really is there any need to continue this…
AutoSport wrote:....
and now you simply say go contact someone else.
...
Link, simply put, you and a few others are the ones who are messing up progress!
AutoSport wrote:....
And link this other joke... "all the systems are there...equipment, fences, etc,etc...... "
Whose own???? I really remenber back in October you saying Equipment coming, it on the seas.."
Really is there any need to continue this…
Return to “The "NEW Race Track" Issue”
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 15 guests