2016 Nissan Micra Cup Calabogie Race Crazy Start Crash
Posted by:
Brian Makse
Occurred on May 15, 2016 / Calabogie Motorsport Park, Calabogie, Canada
Info from Licensor: "The race start was normal and orderly as any good start could be, and I like to think I start well, so I carry that confidence into the car. I was on the left side of the starting grid and spotted the flag, so I got the jump. I pulled out to the left and had a better run than Frederic Bernier. Instead of lifting, I gave him a bump and followed him through. Before I turned in for the first corner, I had a feeling things were going to go sideways and you can see me lift a touch in the video as were barrelling into the first turn. From there, you can see Fred get some oversteer, then correct, and then collect those two white cars.At the same time, I see cars barrel rolling down the right side of the track and at this point, I’m overwhelmed and preparing for impact. I’m on the brake just hoping I can clear some of these cars. In the back of my mind I’m thinking “Ah, man, I do not need to crash a brand new race car today!” It’s one of those situations where it’s impossible to consciously think through a solution. My years of concentrating on processing visual inputs is undoubtedly what got me through the crash. Every car I avoided was still moving at the time, and my brake and steering inputs were purely instinctive. I’ve got to thank my great teachers over the years for that discipline. Sure, having a front row seat was pretty exciting, but I’m really happy that all of my competitors are ok. Those were some really big crashes and the Micra Cup cars are thankfully very stout." - Brian Makse