Jiglu: BLOKART-NZ: Discussion: RE: Right of way??

Originally sent by: Don McKenzie

All good points, Obviously the passing Kart in this situation was "locked" into an overlap situation whether is was five Kart lengths before the obstacle/marker becomes a debate which without a marshal who really knows. In these situations a very loud call needs to be made to make persons aware of a problem. I doubt whether anyone really wants to block or cause danger to others. Calls should be kept to a minimum however otherwise an element of bullying/cry-wolf may occur.
I would debate the five kart rule, as this may be okay in winds of 8 knots but in 15 knots the distance may have to be doubled ie speed, the faster the competitors are traveling the more distance required for safe maneuvering. At the Bay Blokart Club race days we have determined that it is the responsibility of the passing Kart to pass in a safe maneuver, the five kart ruling is basically out the window and self preservation is number one. The old rule, to be placed first you must first finish. Hence on our race days, the we loosely say that V8 rules apply.
I have often called a head to other Karters that "I'm coming thru" not really asking them to get out of the way but just to hold their lines, this I see is carrying out a safe passing maneuver, for the Karters to suddenly change course would give me heart failure cause I'm going so fast, I eat fast, blink fast work fast...
I'm sure that once a Karter is aware of imminent danger/problem they would take the necessary action.
So in this situation I would imagine the front Kart did see or hear the call from beside.
It won't be the last time this occurs, so perhaps as we are approaching tight or obstacle corners or obstacles in general we should make ourselves aware of who is around us.
Very interesting,
Don