Track operator MSV fined after track day rider death

THE UK’S largest operator of motorsport venues Motorsport Vision (MSV) has been fined this week after the death of a rider during an MSV trackday event.

The fine, which is reported by The Northern Echo to be more than £150,000, comes nine years after the death of track day rider Michael Carson. Carson lost his life at the Oulton Park circuit in Little Budworth, Cheshire, after a multi-bike crash at Hill Top. The area of the track is the long straight that joins the Britten’s and Hislop’s chicanes and features a flat-out run over a blind crest that gives it its name. Four other track day riders were injured in the incident, with two of those suffering what were described as ‘life-changing’ injuries.

MSV’s part in the crash comes from the removal of a marshals hut at the Hill Top, something which the prosecution said meant it had not assessed the risk to riders. In short, had there been a marshal hut at Hill Top, following bikes could have been warned of the accident and assistance given in the event of a crash.

During the hearing, another similar crash was shown to the court. On this occasion, a track day rider was struck from behind at the same place and he fell on the run down from Hill Top. Luckily he was uninjured on this occasion, although it was argued that it should have pushed MSV to install a marshal hut in that area.

It also came to light that the MSV CCTV system, the one used to monitor the track had a blind spot in the area of Hill Top and that the warning lights were too far away to be seen by oncoming riders.

After the above-mentioned incidents, MSV did indeed install a marshal hut in the location of Hill Top, it also added a light panel to warn riders, and two CCTV cameras to monitor the track. Other marshal huts around the track were also updated, with control of the red light warning system handed to individual marshals.

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