FUNDAMENTALS OF RACING SAFETY

THE THUMBNAIL SKETCH

1. Racing is dangerous business...making it safer is everyone's business, all the time. NO COST ADVICE.

2. GET A GAP! You need AT LEAST 3" between the top of your helmet and the bottom of your halo bar while you are strapped in, especially if in a sprint/midget/open wheel...if you can not slide a 2x4 on edge between your helmet and the halo bar...FIX IT! Cost is variable...knowledge priceless.

3. Helmets are disposable...they make great mantlepieces or donations to sponsors, fans, or charities...replace yours periodically. If you are not using a Snell 05 SA helmet, explain to your loved ones why not. If you are involved in a crash where your helmet hits something or you take a major piece of debris to the melon, gratefully replace the hat. It did it's job...don't press your luck. Cost starts at about $225.

4. Firesuits must be at least 2 layers (SFI 5) and must be worn with long sleeved fire retardant underwear. That is what I wear when I respond to your crash. Should you be wearing less? Single layer suits are for pit reporters, and dignitaries. (Just kidding Dick!) If you have to wear a single-layer suit until your new suit comes in, you MUST wear the underwear. Not negotiable. Cost approx. $430+150 for the underwear.

5. The latest generation seats are awesome! ISP, Butler, LaJoie, and others have the right seat for your seat. The right seat with the right lateral head supports that are made with the proper padding in the right places are a huge part of the whole in-car package for safety. Follow the directions and fasten it in correctly. Do it now...no excuses...you owe it to yourself. Cost less than $1000.

6. Head and neck restraints are mandatory for all levels of racing and all size tracks. PERIOD. Find one that feels good to you and use it every time you buckle in. Some of the newer ones are even better on lateral impacts. I have taken care of folks with basilar skull fractures...it is not pretty. Cost starts at $650.

7. Head nets on both sides of your seat are necessary...inexpensive and easy to install. Cost approx. $225.

8. Pad your rollbars...with the good stuff. SFI approved bar padding is very firm...and what you need when the going get tough. Pipe insulation and swimming pool toys are just that...toys. Strap in...stretch your arms all around...if you can come close it hitting it with your arms, pad it! Cost approx $11/foot.

9. Keeping fire out of the cockpit is a big deal. Shifter boots need to be SFI approved. Look critically for holes in your firewall. Filling with silicone caulking is very marginal. Sheet metal patches are better. Make sure your crushpanels fit properly. Keeping heat, toxic gases, smoke, and fire out is crucial. Cost for boot $50.

10. In-car fire systems can be life-saving! Forget the 2.5# extinguisher fastened under the front edge of your seat...not gonna make it if you are roasting. Make the modest investment in a good system from a reputable company. As hard as safety teams hustle...bad things can still happen... don't wait for us, help yourself. Cost from $320.

11. Ask good questions...get a professional's opinion. Not knowing all the answers is ok...to ignore a good suggestion from someone qualified...or to not ask the question, that is just not ok.

12. Window nets are mandatory for anything with a roof over your head. You are smart enough to do this without being told to...keep the things inside, inside...keep the stuff outside, outside. Picture this...you get upside down in a crash, and while inverted, a piece of sharp debris enters the cockpit and cuts something important...no safety crew in America can help you. Cost approx. $75.

This list is only a start...it covers the areas where the most good can be done. The prices here are only given as a rough guide what to expect. Face it, the cost does matter.

Not many folks are usually interested in racing safety until tragedy strikes...let's do it the other way around...focusing on safety now can prevent some of those tragedies. Please take the time to step back and see the "big picture" of racing safety...you will not regret it.

Remember, at the end of the day, everyone needs to go home standing up.

Keith