Race Day Etiquette- Spectators

Spectators on Race Day can either be the best or THE WORST. Assuming that you are here to learn how to be the best spectator, the first thing you need to understand is this. IT. IS. NOT. ABOUT. YOU. Now that that’s out of the way, lets send it to the details:

Move out of the Way

Commonsense is very useful on Race Day, but sometimes all the action and adrenaline in the air makes things hard to process for us spectators. Race Day is a live event where machines go really fast; if a spectator is not paying attention to where they are walking/standing, things are going to get ugly! The best thing we can do is put every rider first before ourselves. Keep yourself on the sides of the track and have your ears on high alert. If you’re not already off the track “seeing” the rider is already too late.

Help Fallen Riders

Spectators are all over the track, which is a comfort for everyone. To know that if there is a situation where a rider needs help that a spectator could be their guardian angel. However, helping can hurt in some situations. If you are confronted with a fallen rider, before you run on the track to assist them, LOOK! Riders are still racing and the last thing you want is to be a fallen spectator. When you reach the rider the next thing to do, depending on the situation, is to move the fallen rider off the track. This will prevent another crash from happening!

Cheer

A silent group of prospects while riders zoom by is one of the saddest things to see, especially when it is during the kid’s races. Prospects set the tone of Race Day and carry that responsibility throughout the entire race. Get yourself in the habit of clapping for every rider that passes you. Cheer the loudest for your rider, but clap for everyone else! Do I really mean clap for every rider? Yes! Keep the adrenaline vibes alive.

Although it seems obvious, these points are good reminders. Spectating is a responsibility. The best part is that it is a fun responsibility! Racing is a family sport that requires money, heart, and time. It does not matter if the racer is in first place or last the spectator holds them in the highest position!