RaceGuard Mission Statement
Why has the charity been formed?
The catalyst for the charity was the unfortunate death of "Iceman" Joakim Karlsson, who was killed while during practice for the 2005 TT races.
While Joakim's fatality was no more, or less traumatic than others over the years it was felt by many people that the accident rate in road racing could be drastically reduced if a co-ordinated strategy could be agreed.
It was decided that the way forward was to set up a charity that would raise funding to supply safety fencing and other track safety equipment. Research was undertaken, and in America, where track safety did not have as high a priority, they have recently taken a similar route with a safety fund.
Initial talks were held with The Manx Motor Cycle Club, organisers of the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy races and Manx Grand Prix, in September during MGP 2005. RaceGuard's aims and objectives were welcomed by the MMCC.
RaceGuard Mission Statement
RaceGuard's mission is to raise funding by donation, merchandising, bequest and through any other fundraising efforts that the trustees agree to be in accord with the aims and objectives of the charity. To purchase safety fencing, lamp post and telegraph pole protectors, kerb edgings and any other safety equipment that, funds permitting, is required for any motorcycle road race meeting / motorcycle club, throughout the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man.
RaceGuard will do everything possible to promote safer racing. Assisting when required with risk assessment and safety studies in an effort to maximise safety for everyone involved and, in doing so, help make racing a less dangerous and more enjoyable sport.
RaceGuard will actively pursue every avenue that will enable us to meet our objectives and will give assistance, wherever possible, to any local fundraising efforts undertaken by bike clubs, motorcycle businesses, companies or individuals, provided we are notified of them in advance, through the RaceGuard web site, email or post. A discussion forum is included on this website and The Think Tank is the section of the forum to discuss fundraising ideas.
Motorcycle road racing is, by nature, a dangerous sport and RaceGuard are committed to reducing those risks wherever possible for riders, marshals and spectators alike. Energy absorbing safety fencing also improves safety for spectators and marshals. Safety fencing ABSORBS the impact of an out of control machine and almost totally reduces the risk of a machine somersaulting into a spectator area or back across the track / track perimeter, after impacting something harder that does not have the same momentum reducing properties.
RaceGuard will not restrict it's support or fund raising to "Real" road racing. Many short circuit, club riders arrive for their weekend meetings and race with far less safety equipment around there circuits than exist for other meetings and, to address this, it is the charity's intention, as soon as funds are available, to provided safety fencing on a Free Of Charge, lease basis and in this way possibly alleviate some of the insurance costs that Clubs across the United Kingdom have to bear to keep the grass roots of racing alive.
There are a number of products that meet the criteria for safety improvements featured on the equipment page within this site and while the products shown are not a definitive listing, they give an overview of what is available and the type of equipment, for which, RaceGuard wishes to raise funds to purchase.
Many motor cycle racing clubs cannot afford to buy the best available safety equipment as their income is spent on circuit hire fees, St. Johns Ambulance cover, rider and public liability insurance, Public address hire, and many other costs. RaceGuard will be able to supplement and maximise the safety provision and assist these clubs.
Remember a donation of £2 a week (£10 a month) to the charity will only cost, with tax relief, £7-80. Less than one pint a week. A small price to pay to help your sport to become safer for all.Thank you for taking the time to view our web site, enjoy your racing.