8/8/03

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SAFETY IN THE REAL WORLD

Having read (Jok's) article about safety, here is small tidbit for you. Two weeks ago I got my '91 GMC Syclone to run 11.9. The next week I told tech inspection at Atco that I had gotten into the 11.s the previous week. The initial response was "why the hell did you tell me that?" My first thought was ...So I can live!

I then asked him if he could look over things so I would know what I needed. (He) told me I needed to add a door bar on the rollcage. He would let me slide on bars from the cab to the bed since it was a daily driver. I needed a fire jacket (already had bought this). Then he

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had me put on the 5-pt harness I had installed. I tightened it. He then pushed my left shoulder and off popped the belt on my left shoulder! Boy, was I surprised. He then explained to me to modify the seat so the belt would come through the seat instead of around the seat back. Now if I hadn't asked for the inspection, God forbid had I ever really needed that harness!

But what surprised me was the reaction of the inspector. I guess too many racers try to hide from the safety inspector, so they won't have to spend money. And the safety inspectors look the other way so they don't have to make unhappy racers. Obviously, this is the wrong way to do things.

I am probably in the minority asking for an inspection. But the benefits of doing it this way far exceed the cost of the alternative. Your life! Not to mention the respect I will now have from the track officials in their knowing I am being honest and open in my efforts. I will never need to worry about hassles from safety inspection ever! It's all in having the proper perspective on what this is all about.

As I pulled away from tech inspection I said, "Hey, thanks for the tip." I can't wait to show tech the changes when I get back next week.

Edward Hess
Auto Dogz Inc

SAFETY IS ULTIMATELY IN THE DRIVERS' HANDS

Well, Burk, fair is fair. I blasted you in March on the Gatornationals. Still think I was right. But just read your column on safety and I agree with you 100%. Your observations, especially on Fletcher and Coughlin, were astute and right on the money. For a 'vacation' from my dragster I've driven 10 second cars, and they are still FAST. Any car that goes from 0-120 in 10 seconds is a fun ride. And of course, potentially dangerous.