Brett Downey Safety Foundation Update:

The Brett Downey Safety Foundation has been very busy and we have a lot to work on this year. If you follow the amateur national races then you have probably seen or met Larry Morton.  Larry is the BDSF “National Amateur Safety Advisor”.  Larry’s primary job is to help track owners, promoters, caution flaggers and rider’s with any safety needs. While at the amateur national races Larry is very involved in working with caution flaggers and promoters regarding track issues. We learned at most of the nationals there is a lack of radio communication with caution flaggers. The BDSF has purchased a high-end set of two-way radios that we will lend to the track promoters for the caution flaggers to use.  Larry will then have better communication with caution flaggers during races and will quickly be informed of any safety issues out on the track. Sometimes caution flaggers that stand in the back of the track with no radio communication have a hard time motioning for help. We want to make sure that a rider gets immediate attention. Proper communication and quick action is essential in safety.   
           
Another long awaited project the Foundation has started on is our Rider Etiquette DVD.  This has been one of our goals since day one. The DVD will cover proper safety equipment, bike maintenance tips, racing and practice tips and suggestions for being safe. With the help of Jeff Emig, we hope to have this completed by May and distributed to everyone who purchases a motorcycle or rides at track (no charge).
           
A meeting with factory representatives will also take place at The Spring Classic in Whitney, TX on March 13th.  Larry will be hosting a meeting with the factory managers of the amateur teams to discuss issues that we can work together on to improve the rules and safety of all racers. Managers attending are:

Cole Gress, American Suzuki
Dave Gowland, Team Green
Dave Osterman, KTM
Dave Thomforde, American Honda
Dave Martin, Honda of Houston
Shaun Martin, Honda of Houston
Donnie Luce, Yamaha

We are very excited to meet with them and get their perspectives on safety because we all have the same goal:  “Keep our riders as safe as possible”.