Any good TDO would listen to their customers and if someone was to say he's riding like an idiot I would expect the TDO to make sure the next session an instructor follows the "idiot" for a few laps to see if the claims were correct, if they were tell them the score if they do it again in the following session they go home. If their riding is OK then it's purely the perception of that individual so some diplomacy and understanding of the issues are needed, this is where a good, sorry excellent TDO instructor/marshalling comes into action which some have and some don't

OK, so lets assume that happens... they follow mr XYZ and he rides perfectly well.... 5 laps later they pull in....

then what ?

Like I said it could be the upset parties perception - a one off, we've all done a close pass here and there so it could just of been that that caused the issue, if someone else complains about the same guy then it has to be looked at.

Usually if they are riding like an idiot then they always ride like that (don't quote me on that though) I was at Donny on Tuesday and I spotted the same guy over and over taking the wrong lines, he wasn't an idiot by any means so no one would of complained to the TDO but I spotted him doing the same in most sessions that's just his riding style I suppose but I spotted that on several occasions and I was just a punter, a instructor/marshall would of spotted him way before me I'm sure and if they thought he was erractic to a point they would of had a chat and offered some instruction/advice I'm sure.

I know its about the quality of the eyes and ears. One mans nobber is another persons quality move...

but theres generally no smoke without fire, and as jpm says if someone thinks its worthy of a mention to a tdo, then they are duty bound to at least bear that person in mind...if its corroborated by another complaint, surely that then requires action of some sort?

(This is the sensible side of my..if i was in a t/day on a dd bike id run in the top group, working on the theory i may well get buzzed on the straight bits, but thats surely safer than me buzzing other slower riders mid corner with my higher corner speed..........)

Surely the fact that the TDO had a word with all riders at lunchtime is a good start ?

if they don't have enough specifics or witnesses... at least they're making a point ?

Nick,

You're not alone - I have experienced all the above with them. Especially the lack of firmness with disrespectful riders.

RX

Talking in the briefing and taking action to deal with problems on the track are not the same thing, IMHO that separates the talkers and doers.

As JPM and others say a good TDO listens to what the "victim" says and checks it out and takes action if necessary. It's a judgement the TDO should make, what we seem to be saying here is that some might talk the talk but not walk the walk.

Sure the "problem" rider might ride OK for 5 laps but equally they can get the Marshalls to look out for the problem, they don't just rely on their own instructors out on track. Marshalls once allerted are gonna keep a close eye on a particular rider, and call in any incident they feel has caused a problem.

In effect there is a group responsibilty for safety, the Riders, marshalls instructors, all have a part to play in policing the etiquette. Everyone involved are the eyes and ears of the TDO.
The TDO is getting the feeds from these sources, thats why it is so important to speak to the organiser, a number of reports from different riders is a pretty good indication that someone needs watching very carefully and or needs to be spoken to.

Ray

My experience (i've been about 6 times - the 6th will be the last);

- Professional enough when you book etc
- Arrogance and bad attitudes of all the staff of the highest nature and the briefing is enought to scare the **** out of any poor novice
- I complained about 2 clowns a few weeks back at silverstone (after one came past me on his arse at the final chicane after trying to outbrake about 4 bikes at once - his bike clouted mine an nearly had me off) - no action taken dealt with it myself instead.
- Over subscribed groups which result in many riders been put in groups they dont feel comfortable with (despite saying to my novice mate that he could change down form inters if he didnt feel comfortable - when he tried they just tried to blow smoke up his **** and told him he was doing great ?!

Hottrax and no limits are the way to go IMO..

Nat

Must admit Nat, that is who I normally go with, but needed a quick fix...

Hope they are a good bunch on the day - 24th at silverstone - anyone else there???

how dealt with??
 

- "I complained about 2 clowns a few weeks back at silverstone (after one came past me on his arse at the final chicane after trying to outbrake about 4 bikes at once - his bike clouted mine an nearly had me off) - no action taken dealt with it myself instead."

have been on a couple of FE days with no worries, last one was Silverstone GP dawn-dusk and was good value, but am worried if same @clown@ has me off !!!!!!!! what do you / can you do as bikes aren't cheap to fix these days and i use mine all the time not just as a track tool. Doing brands GP on the 25th so hope the rest of the riders are not looking to emulate their motogp/superbike heroes (gulp!)