Should NHRA have a maximum driver age limit? (7 Viewers)

[Mike]

On Friday, maybe in the Hemi Challenge R1, a car with 92 year old driver took the green, slowly hit one wall, then slowly went across the track and hit the other wall.

An ambulance came and took the driver. I haven't heard what caused the crash or how the driver is doing, but just as there is a minimum age limit, should there also be an upper age limit to drive in competition?

 

[camaro]

They shouldn't have an age limit, but the the older drivers should be forced endure a more rigorous medical examination, that's capable of clearing them to drive hi speed race car

 

[Billy]

On Friday, maybe in the Hemi Challenge R1, a car with 92 year old driver took the green, slowly hit one wall, then slowly went across the track and hit the other wall.

An ambulance came and took the driver. I haven't heard what caused the crash or how the driver is doing, but just as there is a minimum age limit, should there also be an upper age limit to drive in competition?

I was VERY concerned about his injuries because of his age, and his ability to "reign in" the car!

 

[mick]

thought i heard a couple broken ribs + bumps/bruises + a couple cuts.
hate to see an age limit. the sport is what keeps them young. look at sam pourciau. he was hangin' out with r. brogdon.

 

[SS140]

This incident was caused by a parts failure in the rear axle, not because of the driver's inability.

 

[Mike]

Michael, I've never seen anyone post so much drama as you. The driver was knocked out from the impact is why he couldnt stop the car after the first impact.

 

[Butch]

How about we look at this from the unfortunate side of this driver. IDK who he is but I'll bet that car was his baby and he's owned it longer than some people here have been alive. His body probably doesn't hurt anywhere near as much as his feelings do about that car.
Hopefully he can get it repaired and maybe just show it from now on.

 

[Fireball]

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[ironpony]

My Dad raced flat track motorcycle until he was 74 yo, had his biggest wreck ever that year. That convinced him to retire from racing and take up skydiving. Kept him young and mind sharp.

 

[Axman]

How about we look at this from the unfortunate side of this driver. IDK who he is but I'll bet that car was his baby and he's owned it longer than some people here have been alive. His body probably doesn't hurt anywhere near as much as his feelings do about that car.
Hopefully he can get it repaired and maybe just show it from now on.

The driver is Dean Mink from Cincinnati Ohio

 

[none]

This is NOT about Dean.

I have seen drivers that I felt shouldn't be in the cars. When I was getting started they used to do a cockpit oriention test and part of the test was to shut everything down and get out of the car blindfolded in a resonable time.

I have seen drivers over the years that needed assistance getting into or out of the cars but nobody ever told them they couldn't drive anymore. I don't think you can set an age, but I do think you should be able to pass the same test as a new driver.

Alan

 

[Jack]

Ask the Greek this questio. I think I can accurately predict his answer. His reaction times were not what they used to be but his car control at 300 mph was better than some young guys. Some folks are just blessed with sharp minds and age defying physical abilities well into their golden years. By the way the word is the car broke an axel just off the line

 

[Mike]

73 year old Bernie Plourd got his NHRA top fuel license today at Indy

 

[stitcherbob]

A driver should be able to drive until the day that the NHRA Chief Starter comes over to him, taps him on the shoulder and says GO!
I think the Greek had a .300+ light once before he gave it up....