The ARCA Truck Series Race At Kentucky Motor Speedway Has Always Been Pivotal In The Title Fight! – ARCA Truck Racing

The ARCA Truck Series Race At Kentucky Motor Speedway Has Always Been Pivotal In The Title Fight! – ARCA Truck Racing

Effective fire fighting

OK folks...throw out the fact that I own a company that manufactures a water-based fire suppression system...here is the truth--we need to convert our racing fire suppression efforts to water/foam-based systems!

I am weary of reading and hearing about situations where drivers are burned and/or cars destroyed because the responsible safety crew was not equipped to fight real racing fires.  Face it- dry chemical agents do not absorb heat--dry chemical does not prevent unburned fuel from becoming a flaming liquid--dry chemical are a respiratory irritant to the driver and the safety crew using it--dry chemical drastically reduces visibility of the driver and the safety crew, and the list goes on and on. 

Conversely, the water/foam agent does absorb heat- reducing potential burn injuries, speeds extinguishment, and reduces/prevents re-ignition of the fire--it does prevent unburned fuel from becoming burning fuel--it is not a respiratory irritant- in fact, most are non-toxic, non-corrosive, and biodegradable- a status not claimed by dry chemical agents--it does not decrease visibility at the scene.

The drivers in the series I work with as their Safety Director/primary responder understand that if they have a fire anywhere near them, they can plan on getting wet.  I have jokingly told them that I hope they can swim, because they are going to get REALLY wet! 

There is no free lunch, as the old saying goes...there is a cost to everything.  Financially and operationally, water/foam is far more user friendly than dry chemical systems.  Water/foam hand-held and larger systems can usually be refilled quickly by staff at the track...not so for dry chemical extinguishers.  While there is a cost for both agents, the foam products are extremely user friendly...not so for dry chemical products. 

Why do we continue to use dry chemical extinguishing technology?  The argument can be made that it is better than nothing...and that is not a very supportive argument.  We need to work within our track management teams and through our sanctioning bodies to make these changes.  We owe it to ourselves and to our drivers and car owners to do our best, with the best possible technology...the future starts now!

Remember, at the end of the day, everyone goes home standing up!

The ARCA Truck Series had its first race of the season this past weekend at Toledo
Speedway.  It was so nice to be back at the track and doing what we all do best...looking out for and after racers.  The first race of the season is always hectic, getting those thorough safety inspections done and documented.  We were very fortunate that the one notable on-track incident, a hard hit into the first turn wall, resulted in no injuries.  Not sure without the head and neck restraint and  full containment seats, we see drivers walking away from these significant hits.

The other weekend at Talladega sure saw a ton of hard crashes.  Awfully impressed that Eric McClure did so well after his high-speed head-on crash with the SAFER barrier.  Do think it would be a mistake to minimize the seriousness of his crash...the term "minor bruising of internal organs" is a bit the contradiction.  My son the ER MD has used the term "minor chain saw accident" describing patients in the ER.  Hey, a minor chain saw accident involves a scratch to the leg from accidentally grazing a quiet tool...if it causes you to go to the ER,  it isn't MINOR!  LOL.  Same with the above...glad it looks like they are being conservative in how soon the driver is coming back from the concussion and other injuries...head injuries are too serious and life is too short...kudos to the folks allowing him to take time to heal.

Let's have a great season...remember, everyone goes home standing up! 

Dirt Late Model Concerns

I really like Dirt Late Model racing!  The cars, the competition, the tracks they run on...the whole package results in some of the best racing out there...IMO.  

I have real concerns though with the DLM cars.   The geometry of the greenhouse-area of the roll cage is not conductive to real strength in a roll-over/flip/impact situation...I have personally seen several occasions where cages collapsed, making the drivers VERY vulnerable...full containment seats are NOT intended to be "personal rollcages"...if you are being protected  by your seat because your cage failed, you need to re-think the situation.  Your mortality is about to be tested!

The other related concern I have is the difficulty of a driver getting out of an overturned DLM car.  Unless the driver is extremely small and thin, it is darned-neared impossible to get out of the car!  If that car is on fire, you better hope like heck the safety crew is excellent at firefighting...otherwise, this might be a problem!  Sanctioning bodies need to come up with effective rules that require a consistent, easily enforced regulation concerning room for cockpit egress/window opening.  The greenhouse of the DLM car needs to be larger and stronger. Give me a large sheet of cardboard and a level...got it done! While I am not aware of big numbers of injuries or fatalities in this class of car, it is not because they haven't tried!  Why should we wait until it happens to fix it...why wait until we have one more racing widow or another paralyzed driver before we seriously look at this design.


If you disagree with my thoughts...TELL ME!  I am interested in other opinions, as long as they are expressed in good taste.


Remember, at the end of the day, everyone goes home standing up!


Keith

HANS Device recertification for Devices

 http://hansdevice.com/shop_online/HANS-Device-Parts-and-Accessories

Just learned about this situation in the last week or so...make sure your personal gear or the drivers in your series are aware of this situation.  It is a good opportunity to make sure things are as we believe they are!

Let's keep ourselves and our drivers as safe as we can.

 SFI Recertification Program PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE PAGE.MOST DEVICES REQUIRE NEW TETHERS TO BE RECERTIFIED.
IF YOU DO NOT PURCHASE TETHERS WITH YOUR RECERT AND YOU REQUIRE THEM, YOUR CREDIT CARD WILL BE CHARGED FOR SAME.

Starting Jan. 1, 2012, Head and Neck Restraints must be recertified every five years to receive the SFI Foundation's conformance sticker.

Competitors who want to use a HANS Device purchased in 2007 or earlier must have their device recertified. Devices passing the inspection will receive a new SFI 38.1 conformance sticker marked with the inspection date. HANS Performance Products will certify the HANS Device for a $15 fee plus return shipping. (You will be given an estimate of shipping at checkout, but we will charge you the actual UPS rate).

It is rare for a device to fail the recertification inspection. We regularly see devices that need replacement rubber on the legs or have tethers that are more than five years old and therefore need to be replaced. If the friction rubber or tethers must be replaced, customers will charged for these items at the standard price. (Tether prices: $20 to $100. Friction rubber: $75.) What should I do? We have established two factory certified locations for this service. To send your device to Atlanta, GA, place your order online by clicking "Add to Shopping Cart" below. If your tethers are dated 2007 or earlier, you must add either a Tether Kit or Tether Upgrade Kit to your order. At checkout, you will receive an Order Confirmation Number. Put the Order Confirmation Number and your device in an appropriately sized box. You are responsible for shipping to HANS Performance Products, 5096 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30341. Please anticipate a two week turnaround from the time we receive your device.RUSH ORDERS WILL BE CHARGED A $50 RUSH FEE. To send your device to Indianapolis, IN, Click this link. Note fully painted devices cannot be inspected and will not pass recertification.

Training idea

Recently, I ran into a situation that I had not seen coming and is so easily prevented...your track officials need to be very familiar with head/neck restraints.  One of the drivers in this race was delayed moving out for the start as he somehow had not been able to get his restraints applied.  No one around him felt comfortable helping as they were not familiar with it and knew getting it done was very important.

Take a few minutes at your next officials meeting and show your officials how to operate the fasteners and QD (quick disconnect) releases.  Just being given the chance to get it in their hands and work with it for a minute will make all the difference in the world!

Look for things not to take for granted...and pay attention when issues arise.

At the end of the day, everyone goes home standing up!

Racing safety water additives

If you are using a water-based extinguishing system, or even have pressurized water extinguishers, it is important to know about water additives.

Our company sells FireAide 2000...while I really like this product, there are other good products available.  The advantages of using these products is basically three issues...first of all, it helps remove heat from fires like crazy...secondly, it makes water appropriate for any fire except electrical...thirdly, unburned fuel that is covered with FireAide will not burn, in fact, we could extinguish a fusee in fuel we had just extinguished with FireAide.  In general, they are non-toxic, biodegradable, and non-corrosive.  Can't say that for dry chemical.

Extinguishers can be easily refilled and returned to service using these agents...refill, re-pressurize, and they are ready!

What agents are you using and why?  Very interested to hear some feedback.

Keith

Fire Tiger Fire Suppression Systems

Just a note...the fire system I designed a couple of years ago is now known as the "Fire Tiger Fire Suppression System."  Several systems have been sold...$3495.00...comes ready to go, including 5 gals of FireAide 2000.  Please view our videos on our Facebook page and on YouTube.

Keith

2011 Rules

What are you doing to promote safety through your track or sanctioning bodies rules?  It is that time of year.  Do you require use of head/neck restraints for all classes?  Do all your classes use window nets?  How about helmets...have you updated your rules to account for the new Snell standards?

Racing safety is not for wimps...step up, talk with your promoter or sanctioning body and make the arguement for these subjects, and so many more.  If you don't, who will?

New fire safety coverage

Not too long ago, I visited a oval track that had a unique, or at least infrequently occurring, I hope, method for providing fire protection at their track.  While there were a couple of 20# ABC fire extinguishers distributed among a couple of cleanup trucks manned by personnel wearing shorts...their primary objective in case of fire was to call 911.

If this situation were not so sad, it would be totally laughable.  If you are a driver, how can you strap in with any degree of confidence when the drivers are the only folks in sight wearing protective clothing and appliances to protect you are few and far between...not to mention only marginally effective?

Funny thing about this situation is, they did have insurance for the event.  How in the world can an insurance company consider that "plan" to be "fire protection", which I understand all racing insurance carriers do require?  Beats the heck out of me!

Fire suppression system

I am proud to announce that I am marketing a fire suppression system for use in both motorsports and traditional firefighting use.  This product is the result of many years of analysis, discussion, evaluation, and even a little dreaming.

The unit is 48"x40"...is water-based...50 gallon capacity...powered by a 12 volt system...50' of 1" hose on a reel...simple and reliable operation.  Fire Ade 2000 is the preferred water enhancement solution for the system.

I appreciate the ARCA Truck Series stepping up and purchasing our first unit.  Not only is it a huge benefit to have the system at every event we hold, but I appreciate them show the confidence in me and my brother Mike Wyss who made my design work well in real life.

For further information, please contact Keith Wyss at 260-437-8070.  I anticipate having photos, videos, and more info available soon.

I will try to not use this forum often for commercial purposes...I am very excited about the potential for this system.   BTW, it fits magnificently in the bed of many utility vehicles...pickup trucks are a given!

What an education!

I had the opportunity recently to watch Trevor Ashline of Safety Solutions do post-crash evaluations of how the safety equipment performed in 2 really hard crashes that resulted in minor injuries to the drivers.  If you ever get this opportunity,  stand back and learn.

The proper mounting of seat belts has always been important in my agenda for safety...it has now taken on added value given what I learned from Trevor's explanations.

Having a seat that is properly constructed, padded, and installed can save lives...PERIOD.  Such a critical item in today's safely constructed car.

Seat belts assembled with polyester webbing performs better and is more predictably consistent than nylon...moistue negatively affects nylon, as does sunlight...darned little difference in price.

Check out Safety Solutions website   http://www.safetysolutionsracing.com/. 

Rule writing from safety perspective

Why do rule-writers for sanctioning bodies continue to use tough sounding but hard to enforce language?  Words like "strongly suggest"  and "strongly recommended" are no longer appropriate.  Everyone is concerned about being sued...heck, in our litigious society, being sued is way too common...and having said that, which side would you rather defend, rule language that is clear and more aggressive or language that is vague and less aggressive?  I think you know where I am going.  Even NASCAR, historically not the pinnacle of tough safety-related language, has adopted clear and aggressive language. 

Support your promoter, track, or sanctioning body when they adopt improved safety-related rule language.  There is a long list of things we should not have to be told to do as racers...utlilizing modern, SFI certified safety equipment is one of them!

Fire systems...pull the pin!

I came across a piece of disturbing information today...one of those things that you know needs to be said and no one wants to say it...I am willing to take on the task!

BEFORE YOU GO ON THE TRACK TO PRACTICE, QUALIFY, OR RACE, YOU MUST BE SURE YOUR FIRE SYSTEM IS READY TO GO...PULL THE PIN TO MAKE SURE IT IS READY FOR USE!

Late this summer, a SCCA competitor died as a result of inhalation burns...his car was on fire when he tried to drive to the pit road that was a long way away...it did not work out well...the investigation into the incident found the safety pin had not been removed to "arm" the system.

TWO POINTS NEED TO BE MADE:
     1.  If you think your car is on fire, get it stopped and get out NOW!  It is not worth the risk!

     2.  Pull the pin to arm your fire system EVERY TIME you fasten your belts...make it a habit.

This tragedy needs to never be repeated.

Concussion Discussion

It has been pretty hard to see a broadcast of ESPN's Sportscenter without hearing something about concussions and the NFL.  One part of me is sick of hearing about it...another part of me is glad someone is finally paying attention.  The "concussion discussion" is important to racing.

About 30 years ago at Midwestern speedway, while working on the safety team, I encountered a concussion situation that continues to amaze me.  The problem started in hot laps when a dirt sprint car flipped violently...the driver was clearly unconscious on our arrival and was not breathing...the driver resumed breathing with our help opening his airway...soon regaining consciousness.  The local EMS team was not very aggressive and allowed the driver to "sign off", not strongly insisting on him making a visit to the local ER.

Later in the event, the previously non-breathing driver came to visit our safety truck accompanied by a couple of officials from the sanctioning body.  The officials came to ask me if I thought it was ok for the driver to go ahead and drive someone else's car that night.  It did not take long for me to pick up my teeth and begin shaking my head negatively.  The dangers of repetitive concussions had begun being discussed...simple medical logic made this a simple opinion...NO, THAT WOULD NOT BE A GOOD IDEA, IT WAS A TERRIBLE IDEA.  The driver was quite unhappy with my opinion and told us so.  I explained that I strongly believed he should have gone to the ER initially...not going then did not make it ok to risk another concussion in another car...oh, did I forget to mention he had a nasty case of "sprint car red eye?"  Did he not think that something bad could have happened in his head if the flip caused blood vessels to break in his eyes?  The officials agreed with my logic and DQ'd MY driver/friend for the night...only because we cared.  Thank God. 

Preventing concussions in racing incidents is huge...here are some ideas that will help:
     1. wear the best helmet you can get your hands on...make sure it fits properly...Snell rated
         nothing older than Snell 2000 SA, really should be 2005 SA...or 2010 very soon.
     2. make sure your seat is equipped with strong, well built head supports with
         proper padding...proper fit is also helpful...this is a huge issue...very beneficial tool!
     3. wear a head/neck restraining device (not only for concussions, but will not hurt)
     4. sprint car style nets on both sides of upper seat
     5. did I mention using a full containment seat and a Snell 2005 SA helmet??

A seemingly simple racing concussion incident can be fatal...here's how- - with the helmet's weight, the now unconscious driver's head often falls forward causing obstruction of their airway causing them to not be able to breathe...being unconscious prevents them from moving on their own to open their own airway...being out of oxygen makes any potential head injury worse and less likely to awaken on their own...truly a vicious cycle.  Unless someone intervenes quickly and properly, a potentially simple concussion results in a much more critical situation.  Throw in a potential spinal injury and someone better know what to do.

You are responsible for looking out for yourself..the above list is a good start...your safety team and EMS/ambulance crew need to know their responsibilities...together, we are better!

Dirt Late Model Escape Hatch

Just reading the March 2010 edition of Circle Track...an article about C.J. Rayburn's new "Super Late Crate"...fascinating feature of this Dirt Late Model (DLM) is an escape hatch. Positioned directly over the drivers seat, it is hinged at the front edge. Shades of Funny Cars! Interesting idea!

I like innovative thinking...and C.J. Rayburn obviously has been thinking. My question is this...what problem is he trying to remedy? If you look back several entries, I made critical remarks about DLM window configurations and cage construction. While the escape hatch would certainly be helpful in some situations, such as a fire or a crash where the car stops with the drivers side against the wall, I think it is a well-done bandaid when major surgery is needed.

Frankly, the window opening is just too small. The cages seem to be too likely to have serious crush issues. The hatch is a baby step in the right direction...when will the industry decide to make a real changes necessary and move on? I hope we do not have to have injuries arise from these areas of concern...it is time to take a hard look at these issues and make the roll cage/window opening changes to allow easier egress and keep halo bars up where they belong...in the meantime, the escape hatch is probably probably a good idea...thanks for your efforts C.J.!

Dirt Late Models

I have real concerns about the safety of our current Dirt Late Models (DLM). I can not just sit here and say it is ok when I, and others whose opinions I respect, have real concerns. Here is a partial list of concerns:

1. DLM window openings are entirely inadequate...even drivers who are not "husky" routinely have serious problems getting out of an inverted (upside down) DLM...add a fire and you better pray your safety team is "loaded for bear"...if you have a full-containment seat, it is worse...sanctioning bodies and chassis builders need to get together and come up with specifications to make this situation better and set a date for full implementation...the current situation is too risky!

2. While we are talking about changes to DLM chassises, let's talk about the design of the roll cages in general. I have seen too many "greenhouses" substantially deform downward in crashes, especially something more than a "puppy roll over." When your seat becomes part of what protects you from things your roll cage should be stopping, that's a problem. I have personal and anecdotal experience that indicates the current design is not adequately protecting drivers. I do not pretend to be an engineer...and am sure someone can devise a better design.

3. Seeing more full-containment seats in DLM's is awesome! Many thanks to those of you who have chosen to be pro-active concerning your own safety...you deserve it! It is a wise investment in your continued enjoyment of racing. While we are talking about seat and restraints, I have serious concerns about how many DLM seats and restraints have been installed. Drivers, crews, and sanctioning bodies need to get more interested assuring proper installations. I really don't care who built your car and their misguided ideas on seats and restraints, bad is still bad and can result in you being getting dead or badly injured.

I hope this spurs thoughtful consideration about this area of our sport. Remember, at the end of the day, everyone needs to go home standing up!

So much progress...much still to do

Over the past thirty or so years, much progress has been made in racing safety issues. Things like better seats, firesuits and helmets, and head and neck restraints...better restraint systems, safety inspections by sanctioning bodies, and a more scientific approach to studying the dynamics of crashes...all have been key in reducing deaths and serious injuries in racing.

What do we still have left to do? We need to be more consistent in our efforts...we need to educate drivers, promoters, sanctioning bodies, and other safety personnel on the "best practices" in our business...we need to do research on subjects like fire suppression to determine "best practices" and encourage their implementation at our tracks. Frankly, we must also be willing to step up and eliminate "bad apples" from our ranks.

Real people and their families rely on us...the fans rely on us...the racing community in general relies on us...we need to get and keep our ducks in a row...we need to be willing to stand up for things we believe in...know why you are there...it is critical that we stay abreast on what is going on in racing safety...we do make a difference!

Modern seats prevent burns

My hunch is several folks who read this will think I might have driven off the edge of the sanity cliff with this headline that comes from the blog written before this one. Well, at least not yet my friends...and here is why.

In referring to Mike Fedorcak's crash of 1985, where he was critically burned, one of the factors that contributed negatively to his situation was that his helmet was damaged in the crash. Apparently it hit something behind him...a bar or some other structure. It is not hard to imagine a blow severe enough to structurally damage a helmet is hard enough to knock you unconscious, and it did. Being unconscious make it really tough to do anything...sometimes even to breathe...and even tougher to escape a flaming racecar. Current full-containment seats not only restrict head and neck movement, it helps keep other things that could be harmful away from your head and neck from the back and sides...good seat=no bars to hit.

In my years of researching racing accidents, I have found the "Law of unintended consequences" is commonly in play. Nikki Lauda had no idea a poorly designed and fitted helmet could indirectly cause him severe burns in his 1976 Formula 1 crash. Current full containment seat technology clearly did not exist in 1985 or Mike might have been using it. THAT TECHNOLOGY EXISTS NOW...PLEASE USE IT.

Go out of your way to meet Mike Fedorcak...he is a racer in every sense of the word...he understands the importance of a high-quality firesuit...and a good helmet...and all the other things racing safety advocates talk about...and will tell you the same thing...USE THEM!

Damn it, racing safety matters!

Once in awhile, you get that "big wind" that stirs you to the bones and makes you almost manic in your fervor for whatever...it is that way for me concerning racing safety. Most days I can get through the days without getting carried away...today is not one of those days!

Last Thursday, I met with a friend I have not seen for quite awhile...Mike Fedorcak of Yoder, IN...yep, he is THAT guy, who sold Tony Stewart one of his famed Munchkins midgets. Mike is a racer...through and through. I was there to consult with Mike about a racing safety project I am working on...we got talking about his near fatal fire of over 20 years ago...what went well and what did not...I will spare you the details now, perhaps another blog entry. Let me summarize with this... #1 using full containment seats prevent burns! #2 wearing a good firesuit matters! #3 using a water -based extinguishing agent, especially with an additive matters! #4 training and practice for safety teams matter! #5 what we do well, or do poorly, matters!

Mike was severely burned in a nasty crash...he has the scars to prove it...17 surgeries and a different perspective on a number of issues later, Mike still races occasionally and owns a fabricating business...and cares about the things I mentioned above.

WHAT WE DO IN RACING SAFETY MATTERS! NEVER DOUBT IT.