Drill Bits: Safety Check

Now that everybody is about set for the new racing season, drivers should do a thorough safety check before heading out to the track. Safety means you, not the car. The March issue of Circle Track magazine addresses this subject.

The article outlines seven areas which you should examine before you go racing:

1. Helmet: Check both the inside and outside of your helmet for any damage. Even a hairline fracture can be trouble for you. If the foam inside is dented, your helmet is no good.
2. Firesuit: Your suit is your first line of defense between you and a fire. Get a suit with as high a TPP (Thermal Protective Performance) rating as you can. If you're in a fire, can you get unstrapped and out of your car in three seconds? I didn't think so. Don't get a cheap firesuit. The higher the TPP rating, the more time you have before you start experiencing second degree burns. If your suit needs some repair, don't take it to your neighborhood seamstress. She's not going to have the proper fire-retardant thread.
3. Undies: That's right. Underwear. Wearing fire-retardant underwear is the easiest way to buy yourself some more time in case of a fire.
4. Gloves: You don't want to burn your hands, do you? If you are in a fire, and you have to exit the car quickly, what do you use? Your hands! You have to undo your belts, your window net, and a bunch of other stuff. You'll be using your hands to do this. Your hands won't help you if they're burning.
5. Shoes: You are not Dave Marcis. A pair of wingtips will not do. Make sure the fire-retardant rating of your shoes is at least as good as the rest of your gear. And don't forget fire-retardant socks.
6. Head and Neck Restraint: Of course you have one of these, right? Make sure you do, and that it is in proper order with no cracks.
7. Your Body: Keep a close watch on your health. If you're a smoker, quit. Maybe some greasy fries isn't such a good idea right before a race. If you're not healthy, you're not racing.

It should go without saying that if you were in an accident, items like your helmet should be inspected closely for cracks. The article goes into greater detail than the outline we've provided here, so you may want to check it out. (1/30/2009)