The Crank Shaft is a recurring obstacle in Wipeout with a variety of colors.
Season 3
It made it's debut in Season 3 as the first Gauntlet obstacle. If contestants try to run fast, they will pummel into the water and possibly take a ride around. Because the obstacle has pattern, it requires timing. The color for the Crank Shaft was red.
Season 4
In Winter, and Spring, the Crank Shaft returns as part of other obstacles such as the knee sweeper, it was exactly the same but the colors were yellow and blue, and a beam moves to make it harder.