RacerRose
Nitro Member
I'm one that learned a nitro dose lesson the hard way, and it was completely unintentional. 1991 Keystones at Maple Grove, Sunday morning before eliminations. Those who've been there knows how cramped the pits are WITHOUT people, let alone the hundreds crowding the aisle when it's time to warm up the cars.
Let it be known that I was already a Nitro veteran and not a "newbie". Dad & I simply got caught in the crowd when Force lit his car up. Fighting to get through, Tom Hoover fires his up near Force. Parked opposite was Kalitta and he fires up. I can't remember who else was firing up but there were about 5-6 cars running at once.
I remember feeling like I was going to pass out, and Dad kept saying once we get out of the yellow haze and into the stands, some fresh air would get me better. I walked up two rows, and the next thing I remember is my body jolting and passing out. Then the next thing I remember is being in an ambulance, and puking. An EMT shot me up with something to bring down my heartbeat that was up around 200 beats. I remember watching that come down on the screen. All of this after about 20 minutes, I began to feel better, was released, and didn't miss any pairs of 1st round.
Now what I didn't remember was what Dad told me. Once I passed out, he said I had bit my lip, jaws locked and a guy from the stands did mouth to mouth to get me breathing again. Dad said he used a Bic lighter behind my jaw to pry my mouth open. Dad thought I was dead. However, people reacted quickly to thankfully, save my life.
From that day on, and EVERY national event I've been to, I manage to keep my distance, especially if the crowd if forming around the cars. I still get my nitro fix, and am very careful at how I get it. I always tell this to any new fans to go with me. I always have my escape route planned.
Let it be known that I was already a Nitro veteran and not a "newbie". Dad & I simply got caught in the crowd when Force lit his car up. Fighting to get through, Tom Hoover fires his up near Force. Parked opposite was Kalitta and he fires up. I can't remember who else was firing up but there were about 5-6 cars running at once.
I remember feeling like I was going to pass out, and Dad kept saying once we get out of the yellow haze and into the stands, some fresh air would get me better. I walked up two rows, and the next thing I remember is my body jolting and passing out. Then the next thing I remember is being in an ambulance, and puking. An EMT shot me up with something to bring down my heartbeat that was up around 200 beats. I remember watching that come down on the screen. All of this after about 20 minutes, I began to feel better, was released, and didn't miss any pairs of 1st round.
Now what I didn't remember was what Dad told me. Once I passed out, he said I had bit my lip, jaws locked and a guy from the stands did mouth to mouth to get me breathing again. Dad said he used a Bic lighter behind my jaw to pry my mouth open. Dad thought I was dead. However, people reacted quickly to thankfully, save my life.
From that day on, and EVERY national event I've been to, I manage to keep my distance, especially if the crowd if forming around the cars. I still get my nitro fix, and am very careful at how I get it. I always tell this to any new fans to go with me. I always have my escape route planned.
