How young is too young?

[VMS Motorsports]

http://blog.masslive.com/racinwithjason/2012/05/twelve-year-old_florida_boy_dies_from_injuries_suffered_in_race_crash.html

First, my thoughts are with the family, I couldn't image having to deal with losing a child.

I know in Legends, they will allow a 12 year old to race as long as he has at least 3 years experience in karting or a similiar division, but how young is too young?

In my opinion it should be a case by case decision, like everything else in life. I see something like this causing a stir in the short track racing world with insurance and promotors trying to cover their assets though.

[justfreaky]

It's always sad to loose a family member. Our thoughts and prayers to the boys family and friends.

The subject has been brought up a few times here on the site. I don't encourage our younger members to move up too quickly.
I understand that  some of our children will want to move up in their racing  challenges. Parents; Please use your best judgement in allowing your child to move up to more powerful classes of racing!

Jim,
It is hard to lose a child. Takes it's toll on the family. I've had to deal with losing my stepson at age 14. The grief runs deep.
My comfort; Knowing that he is is the arms of God.

Steve & Rhonda

[JGRacing]

That is horrible.  I cannot imagine having to cope with that as a parent.  I would not take the chance with my children at that age but Jeff Gordon's parent's had him in a winged sprint car somewhere around that age and he not only was safe but could win.  Not sure that I have an answer on the age to be in a full sized racecar.  Comes down to the judgement of the track, parents, and insurance company.  Not crazy about the government stepping in to decide these things because they usually could not pick out a racecar from lawn mower.  Hopefully this was a rare tragic event and not a more common problem.     

[Billy13]

Not to change subject or try to numb this down but was there any word of what his injuries were.  Age can be an issue but also would be experience and safety devices.  I feel my 11 year old could handle a legend car with no problem cause he has been racing since he was 6.  My neighbors 14 year old has never driven so ofcourse I would not put him in one.  Also see many people that wear the single layer 2 piece suits that would probably burn faster then the jeans they wear.  My sons will never race with less then a 3 layer 1 piece suit, well made race helment and a HANS device.  My heart goes out to this family but my first thought was about the injry was it lack of safety gear or something unavoidable?

[justfreaky]

I've not heard of any updates on this story.
I DO think that the issue needs to be brought up every so often to remind us that racing Can Be and IS a dangerous sport.


Steve

[dcpainting]

Was at track when happened was not wearing Hans or anything like that was said snapped spinal cord  also from pic looks like hjc motorcycle helmet don't want to talk bad seatbelts someone said were not tight either shame was only kids second race someone said  a lot of rumors but didn't verify  wreck didn't look that bad but hit straight on

[VMS Motorsports]

Thats a shame.
Way too many people will spend thousands to go faster, and neglect the safety aspect

[justfreaky]

"Speeds of vehicles were estimated to be no more 40 to 45 mph."

Something doesn't seem right with that.

Steve

[dcpainting]

It was a kids club car where parents usually ride with but parents weren't at track grandfather brought him my son sterted running a bando at 8 with no other previous racing experience now running a legend started limited legend when he was 12 we have been in some bad wrecks but have a racing chassis not a 4 cylinder car not really meant for racing and make sure have descent safety gear such a sad case  been a lot of media coverage but people didn't focus on lack of safety gear out of respect for kid and family

[Billy13]

Doesn't take much speed to injure or kill.  Ecspecially when there is a lack of safety gear.

[Andy S]

No one...child or adult...should hit the track without high quality safety gear.   As a friend once told me, when I was whining about the cost of a HANS device -"if you can't afford to be safe, you can't afford to race."

I have a 15yr old racing Legends, and an 8yr old in a Bando.  We all understand and accept that some risk exists every time out, but my heart goes out to the family in Florida.  I can't imagine what they're going through.