STILL TALKING SAFETY #9

Jeff: How does anyone know that the potential fires that exist in funny cars and the very important escape hatch, who is to say that the HANS device are even the answer in ALL pro levels of drag racing.

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NASCAR drivers complain all the time about trying to exit those machines with these new helmets....how would that be possible in the modern day funny car? I can't imagine the feeling of being stuck in there and unable to "quick release" yourself out from the heat.

The dragsters are a totally different story where it could be quite sensible to utilize the more protective helmets. But don't you think there should be some input from the people that drive these vehicles?

They must deal with the complications that exist. . .there needs to be more input from the users before any sanctioning body forces the issue.

Jim Rockstad

STILL TALKING SAFETY #10

Jeff, I have never agreed more with you on a subject. As racers, we piss away more money on junk food at the races than a head & neck device costs.

Thank you for unequivocally stating the obvious.

Jerry Bittner

STILL TALKING SAFETY #11

I agree. Hope it did not hit totally deaf ears. Could have talked up the guys who do wear them (Capps, etc.) as an example. Never hurts to use a little sugar.

William D. (Dee) Kruse
Kruse Missile II
TD/ET 4030

STILL TALKING SAFETY #12

My son Chris and myself didn't know Shelly very well, but we loved her, and we raced her several times in the past. . .she was a first class lady. . .she always gave my son a hug before we raced. A very special lady and a terrible accident, but that's what it was, a terrible accident. You shouldn't drag Force and Medlen into this. Drag racing is a very safe sport. My brother was almost killed in a blowover, a HANS wouldn't have helped him.

I feel as bad about this as you; it was awful, but just a terrible accident, and, like it or not, a part of racing.

Mike Dakin

BURK RESPONDS

Mike, the danger can't be changed, that's a given and everyone who ever drove a car has to accept the fact that you might crash and be injured or killed. Not wearing all of the safety equipment gear available, especially equipment that has been proven, is just stupid and inexcusable. That's why they force Force to wear a firesuit, helmet, gloves, have a roll cage, and a parachute. Should Force or any other driver have the option of wearing a firesuit if they decide it is too uncomfortable? What is the difference between those items and a HANS device? --JB