15/08/2026
Frustration, Fairness, and Safety in Racing
Speed Chasers Racing Promotion
I have stayed quiet about what happened during the Avia Race on July 25, 2026, because I did not want to create unnecessary issues or take anything away from the other riders.
Hadi was awarded 3rd place, even though based on the results, he ranked 2nd place. The mistake was acknowledged, and I appreciate the admission. However, until today, I still have the 3rd place trophy that was wrongfully awarded to him.
I could have asked for the 2nd place trophy, but I chose not to. That trophy had already been awarded to another rider, and I will not take something from a child who was given that trophy in good faith. Hadi will simply keep the 3rd place trophy, even though the result should have placed him 2nd.
Then today, August 15, 2026, at the Kadayawan Pushbike Race, the same frustration happened again.
KZ was awarded 3rd place in a three-heat race.
Her results:
• 1st Heat – 3rd
• 2nd Heat – 2nd
• 3rd Heat – 5th
The rider who was awarded 2nd place had:
• 1st Heat – 2nd
• 2nd Heat – 8th
• 3rd Heat – 2nd
If the three heats are properly reviewed and the standings are computed consistently, the results indicate that KZ should have finished 2nd.
But again, the trophies have already been awarded.
And again, I will not ask for the 2nd place trophy to be taken away from the rider who received it. KZ will bring home the 3rd place trophy that was awarded to her, even though I believe she rightfully earned 2nd place.
But this post is not only about the results.
This post is directed to Speedchasers Racing Promotion not to attack anyone, but to raise legitimate concerns that I hope will be taken seriously.
Race Rules for the Safety of the Riders
What concerns me more is what happened on the racetrack today.
During KZ’s 1st Heat, she had the advantage going into the turn. The rider behind her attempted to overtake through the inside lane, even though there was only a small amount of space available. The rider behind became unbalanced while trying to avoid the cones, and this forced KZ into a dangerous situation.
During the 2nd Heat, an early cutting across lanes by a rider caused an early collision involving other riders. When riders are still close together at the beginning of a race, sudden lane changes can create a chain reaction and put several children at risk.
Then during the 3rd Heat, KZ’s lane was cut early by the rider on her right, disrupting her momentum. The riders on the left subsequently collided early in the race, and KZ eventually had a bad fall after being bumped by another rider.
Alhamdulillah, she was able to continue, but as a parent and as someone who also organizes races, these incidents are concerning.
This is just a race.
We understand that racing involves competition, overtaking, turns, contact, and unexpected situations. But that does not mean that preventable risks should simply be accepted as part of racing.
As an organizer myself, I believe that many of these situations should have been considered when planning and setting up the racetrack.
The positioning of the lanes, the width of the track, the placement of cones, the entry and exit of turns, and areas where riders are likely to cross or merge should all be carefully assessed before the race begins.
A properly planned racetrack should allow young riders to compete aggressively while still giving them enough room to race safely.
We Need Clear Rules
We have been racing with Speedchasers Racing Promotion for more than a year, and it is frustrating to still hear that there are no clear race rules.
Rules are not created just to determine who wins.
Rules are created to protect the riders, prevent accidents, and ensure fairness.
There should be clear guidelines regarding:
• Overtaking inside turns
• Starting safety zone line
• Cutting across lanes
• Changing lanes when riders are closely packed
• Entering and exiting turns
• Unsafe blocking or sudden movements
• Collisions and incidents
• Penalties and race reviews
• How the final standings are calculated
Parents should not have to figure out the rules only after an incident happens.
The rules should be clearly explained before the race starts, so riders, parents, coaches, and officials all understand what is allowed and what is not.
This Is Not About Wanting a Trophy
I want to make this clear:
I am not posting this because I want a 2nd place trophy.
If the trophy has already been awarded to another child, I will not take it away from that rider.
The same happened with Hadi in July.
The same situation happened with KZ today.
What I want is a fair and transparent system where mistakes can be prevented before they happen.
I respect the effort that organizers put into holding these races. I know organizing an event is not easy. As an organizer myself, I understand the challenges.
But precisely because I also organize races, I know that proper planning, clear rules, proper track design, and competent race officials can prevent many unnecessary problems.
Our children are not professionals. They are young riders learning the sport.
They deserve a racing environment where they can compete, improve, and enjoy the experience without being placed in unnecessary danger because of unclear rules or a poorly planned racing line.
We can accept mistakes.
We can accept that racing is unpredictable.
But we should not normalize things that could have been prevented.
I hope Speedchasers Racing Promotion will take this as constructive criticism and use it to improve future races—not only for KZ or Hadi, but for every young rider who will compete in your events.
Because at the end of the day, the trophies will go home, the race will be over, and the results will eventually be forgotten.
But the safety of our children should always come first.
Fair racing. Clear rules. Safe tracks. Respect for every rider.
That is all we are asking for. 🏁
-The Bacaraman Parents watching at home
