38D

still happens today in some circles

LuigiVampa

CPAP users after meeting with the PCA medical committee:

Nowanker

Well, looks like you blew YOUR chance.

Coochas

I hope this resolves soon so you can breathe easier.
Sorry Todd, couldn't resist.

9114609048

I agree, however...The PCA Club Racing Medical Committee and the PCA Club Racing Committee do exercise the power to override or question a doctor who has found you "fit for sport of competitive racing".
From the medical form:
>"Memorandum to Examining Physician...Your recommendation for approval will be reviewed, but it is the final decision of the PCA Club Racing Committee whether or not an applicant is medically cleared for racing...."
>"IMPORTANT NOTES: Medical forms from candidates having the following conditions must be referred to the PCA Club Racing Committee for review. ..."
>"RE-EXAMINATION....3. Any time PCA Club Racing determines that good cause exists based on reasonable inquiry."
>Based on this limited examination, and after review of all 3 pages, I RECOMMEND (acknowledging that PCA Club Racing Committee, including the Club Racing Medical Committee, has the final decision."

If you've been approved by a doctor and the Committee says, not so fast, what's the next step? Do you have to appear in person before PCA doctors? Order tests? Do they call your doctor and examine his-her credentials?
This is the same club that told me I could attend the PCA Race School (turned out they really didn't have one) and get checked out. The PCA never bothered to assess my driving as promised, instead the Committee somehow determined exactly what skills I had lost, without ever seeing me in person. Now it sounds like the Medical Committee is also expert in knowing more about your condition than you or your doctor.

(I was thinking about trying again to get a PCA race license, (since there's an event close by), but after hearing what going on with the Club on multiple fronts, I think I'll pass.)

Manifold

Is there an actual problem here? Are there actually lots of people who would try to drive race cars (or track cars) who aren't sufficiently physically fit to do so? Or do people who don't feel physically fit enough themselves decide not to do it?

Majority of crashes on track are due to driver errors, but I've never seen evidence that health issues were a significant contributing factor to those driver errors. Physical and mental fatigue are more likely to be contributing factors, and that can happen to anyone, if even they have no diagnosed health issues.

LuigiVampa

It's these F-ing doctors! They're all a bunch of ego maniacs! You know what I mean?

While I am certainly the one pushing this conversation in a very public way, my intent is to help PCA realize that they need to make some changes. Although I feel aggrieved right now, I do love driving with PCA and hope this matter gets resolved and PCA fixes their problems. I would also hope that you would drive with PCA as I think and hope they are finally getting the message that things need to change.

This is more of a problem than any of us care to admit.

sbelles

Yeah, sometimes I have a 2nd beer at happy hour. Nothing like living on the edge.

Bman

Saddened to see this in your sig but understand the frustration. I came close to walking away from PCA, all together, 10 year ago due to my experiences in club racing. Really hope your situation gets turned around and CVR doesn't lose a valuable member and resource.

PCA National Instructor
CVR Asst. Track Chair

LuigiVampa

It is sad and I remain hopeful for a positive resolution.

This could have been over weeks ago but for the obstinacy of the medical committee members who are sticking to a DOT trucking standard for race car drivers. It never had to come to this.

When are we going to see you back?

Manifold

The medical committee needs to save face, they can't now reverse their position because you've called out their foolishness. Maybe just give them another doctor's note and some data, as they requested, so they can justify renewing your racing license. The issue is no longer about what makes sense, but rather, bureaucratically, about what can be covered by a paper trail.

wildcat077

I think at this point the PCA medical committee is well aware of this thread and they most likely won’t back down …
Todd, you’re an experienced lawyer so it would be best to give in and regroup , then present them with new solid evidence from your physician or a renowned specialist to clearly justify your point before this becomes a case of irreconcilable differences !
I dealt with an overzealous **** scrutineer , could just imagine what their medical team is like …

Cheers
Phil

Bman

I am also salty towards PCA club racing which is why I only support our local region's race. Add me to the list of people feeling the culture is not instep with the PCA culture I know. I've been reluctant to add to this thread knowing how many well intentioned and generous volunteers are involved. But I am happy you aired this out, in addition to M Kelly, it needed to happen IMO.

That being said, Lime Rock is on my bucket list and I had hoped to come to your event (well formally your event) next weekend in my '71 911. But the MFI pump has been problematic and elusive to correct.

RossP

I gotta ask, why even bother at this point? As has been mentioned ad nauseum there are so many other series/racing opportunities out there. (many of which apparently being more fun, less crashy, better stewarded etc) I dont quite understand why you aren't just speaking with your feet and racing with another group. At the end of the day racing is a hobby for 99% of us....hobbies are supposed to be fun.

Veloce Raptor

Todd, do not give in