Helmets? Really?

[Deuce]

If a track worker suffered a head injury at an NHRA event, the chronic complainers, second-guessers, and NHRA-bashers on the Mater would be the first ones to scream that the NHRA was negligent, stupid, and didn't care about the welfare of the workers.

Exactly

 

[Nick]

Exactly

Just for clarification, I'm not nor have I ever been an NHRA hater, complainer etc. Quite the contrary actually. I actually get very annoyed at those types of people.

My issues with the helmets were simply twofold. 1. Why are they wearing them now? 2. In my opinion, the type of helmet looks very silly and unprofessional despite the protection they provide. (Never suggesting they shouldn't be wearing them. Although I still question the odds of one actually being needed.)

Please all. Let's keep the Mater a place where all opinions can be voiced and heard...respectfully and without judgement.

 

[Greggo]

I think there are more incidents in the turnoff area than most people know. Anyone who has been caught off guard or blind-sided by a parachute can easily be injured. Didn't Doug Kalitta take the turnoff at Phoenix [about 5 years ago] too fast and almost put the car on the side? I'll never forget the guy in the safety truck [can't remember if it was a Safety Safari truck or not] quickly reverse out of the way to give room. Hopefully no one was injured. I still can't believe no one was injured at the Finals last year when Melanie Troxel went through the shutdown area fence and into the pits.

 

[beltguy]

Been Lurking for years, but had to sign up to address this thread.

For many years I worked in the shut-down area as a part of my work as the "blower belt guy" for The Gates Rubber Co.

In about 1995 we were at Topeka. One of the shut-down worker's foot was caught in a parachute and he was violently thrown to he track, hitting his head. Apparently no one noticed that he had been seriously injured and was laying on the track - except for one other shut-down person. That worker raced to him and started performing CPR. That worker had extensive medical training and told us later that the worker was unresponsive when he got to him.

Since the Safety Safari folks did not see the accident, nor could they see the injured person and second worker on the track side of the barricade, they did not notify race control. They ran another set of cars while the two folks were on the track.

Several of us saw what was going on and raced to the wall to warn the two cars as they shut down.

I have tried to recall the worker's name but can't. He sustained serious brain damage. We saw him at the next couple of races at Topeka and after two years, he was really struggling with his speech and mobility.

When Pat and I saw the helmets at Phoenix, we were both very happy that, finally, something had been done to protect these hard working folks.

Jim

 

[Deuce]

Just for clarification, I'm not nor have I ever been an NHRA hater, complainer etc. Quite the contrary actually. I actually get very annoyed at those types of people.

Please all. Let's keep the Mater a place where all opinions can be voiced and heard...respectfully and without judgement.

Didn't say you were Nick.

 

[FABMAN]

Been Lurking for years, but had to sign up to address this thread.

For many years I worked in the shut-down area as a part of my work as the "blower belt guy" for The Gates Rubber Co.

In about 1995 we were at Topeka. One of the shut-down worker's foot was caught in a parachute and he was violently thrown to he track, hitting his head. Apparently no one noticed that he had been seriously injured and was laying on the track - except for one other shut-down person. That worker raced to him and started performing CPR. That worker had extensive medical training and told us later that the worker was unresponsive when he got to him.

Since the Safety Safari folks did not see the accident, nor could they see the injured person and second worker on the track side of the barricade, they did not notify race control. They ran another set of cars while the two folks were on the track.

Several of us saw what was going on and raced to the wall to warn the two cars as they shut down.

I have tried to recall the worker's name but can't. He sustained serious brain damage. We saw him at the next couple of races at Topeka and after two years, he was really struggling with his speech and mobility.

When Pat and I saw the helmets at Phoenix, we were both very happy that, finally, something had been done to protect these hard working folks.

Jim

Great post Jim, glad to see NHRA do something about this. Hope the worker recovers in time, I have similar issues you just have to stay positive.

 

[DrRocket]

Why now? If not now, when?

I'm not worried about style. I mean, really when you get down to it, what difference does looks make? As long as they work.

 

[Kelly]

Sure, beer helmets! Less trips to the beer stand. If you are in Houston, I have first round on Friday.

Now you've stepped in it dude. Good thing you added that 'first round on Friday' qualifier!