12 replies to this topic

[Sprintdudes]

Best wishes to Daren Pifer on a speedy and full recovery.

 

Some eye witnesses claim there were no fire extinguishers at the track when he got burned, now I am told by two others that were there, that they did have fire extinguishers, just not positioned around the track like you would expect.  One tweet during the event stated that the track was headed to a local store to purchase fire extinguishers for the features.

 

Not sure who or what to believe, just hope Darren gets well soon.

 

 

Edited by Sprintdudes, 18 May 2014 - 11:49 AM.

[D1RT]

Why would any driver/s in their right mind even think of unloading their car and racing at a track that has no fire/rescue crew and equipment on the premises??

[longtimeracefan101]

I'm not a racer but I always look around for that. When I go to different tracks.thatcplace needs boycotted

[Crusty1]

FIRE has always been my biggest fear in racing.
Not long ago Charlie Holben was caught in a fire at Lernerville,.
Learnerville has one of the best safety crews around , but even with that it seemed like it took forever to help him.
With that said how could a track not have the proper fire safety equipment?
Shame on you Sportsman your a disgrace to the racing community.
Thank God that this young man is still with us.

[Jimmy Henry]

Why would any driver/s in their right mind even think of unloading their car and racing at a track that has no fire/rescue crew and equipment on the premises??

 

Because everyone thinks it won't happen to them...it will always be "the other guy"...that's why.

[lrnvlFan1w]

Is the point of your post to draw attention so that tracks have appropriate Safety Crews on site? I just fear it could turn more into a "look how unsafe sprint cars are" media campaign again. Which we had last year with Leffler and Tony Stewart. A black eye isn't what our sport needs. I just think there might be better ways to handle such as: starting an organization that checks safety equipment at tracks for free, free training on how to handle fires especially around fluids used in our sport, contacting the track, contacting the tracks insurance agency etc. When you put things out in the media your point can get twisted and manipulated to meet ones agenda. My point I guess is it is terrible this has happened and the severity of the damage could have been limited. But is your current plan the best approach?

[Mod Pro]

I've always wondered why fire suppression systems were not required in race cars... Not extinguishers... Complete systems. I know, an added expense, but always wondered... Especially when it comes to confined spaces and some of the fuels and fluids on board... Anyone have any thoughts about that?

Think it's a cool idea by the way to create a volunteer safety team to inspect cars, tracks, etc in interest of the racer and promoter... Maybe work with an insurance company to work on a break for everyone if they, the cars and track, reach a certain grade or safety scale... Just thinking out loud...

[spike]

It could have happened in any division.  No fire protection at a race track. Are there really insurance companies that sell policies to race tracks that have no fire protection?    The big deal this year was to be a point fund.  The management views a point fund as more important than fire protection.  It turned into just what it should have.  Look how unsafe it is at Sportsmans Speedway.

[woodhog]

I was my son who got burned. Had we known there was no fire crew, we would not have raced. It was our first time racing at sportsmans. The accident is over, so lets just please pray he will be fine, and hope no one ever has to go through what he is going through right now.

 

As of right now, I have not heard a word from the track.

[DavyLee2]

Racers get a car together and work their butt of to get to the track and race . showing up at a track and Expecting there to be some guys with fire extinguishers  is like going to a restaurant and expecting silverware ! I don't believe some " release" signed would hold up in a court for Negligence ! never did Never will!

[The Legend]

Gross negligence out weights any release form

[714d]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't the (lack of) safety crew at this same track a hot topic a year or two ago? My memory isn't the greatest, but this seems like an awfully familiar discussion. Proves racers will race anywhere there's a track and some other racers. And there's nothing wrong with that. They know what they do is dangerous. It is up to the track to make it as safe as they possibly can.

[Sprintdudes]

We would like to organize a non-profit organization to educate and suggest (or demand) minimum safety requirements to tracks across the country, if such an organization is feasible.  We are talking with several track owners, race drivers, and others about this.  We won't get into all of the ideas and specifics that we have right now, but if you are interested in helping, or know someone who does, please contact us at sprintdudes@sprintdudes.com

Edited by Sprintdudes, 18 May 2014 - 11:52 AM.