Race Track Safety in New York State

Auto racing is a popular spectator sport in New York state. There are six tracks in New York state that host various NASCAR series events. As of 2013, there are 39 short tracks operating in the state. In 2005, there were 45 short tracks, including 32 dirt tracks. There are also several drag strips operating throughout the state. Local fire departments and rescue squads provide fire protection and emergency medical services at most of these tracks. Many firefighters also participate in races at local tracks.

Getting Out Safely

Drivers get out of their race cars hundreds or possibly thousands of times. But how many times is this done under duress? Every race car has a fire control system, but rarely does a driver use it. If the car is involved in a crash, he or she is too busy getting out of the car to think about using the fire control system. The question is how quickly can you get out of your car after a wreck when you probably won’t have your race crew to help you? Practice, just as we have fire drills in structures.

Begin with your safety equipment on, belts buckled up tight, steering wheel in place, and radio system plugged in, all of which has to be removed. Often during rapid exits out of a race car, the driver may get his or her head and neck restraint system caught on something. That is the last thing you want to occur if your race car is on fire and you’re trying to get out safely.

Above left: Safety crew members prepare to extinguish a fire in the engine compartment of an enduro race car following a two-vehicle crash. Above right: The safety crew positioned in the center of the track at Mohawk International Raceway (MIR) in Hogansburg, N.Y. MIR is a 3/8-mile oval dirt short track. Track safety is handled by members of the Hogansburg Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department.

Fire Suits

Keeping your fire suit clean is about more than a bad smell; it actually makes you safer. Your suit is flame retardant, but any grease or oil the driver gets on the suit are not. Foreign contaminants on your suit should be removed as soon as possible in order for it to perform properly and keep you safe. Always follow the manufacturers’ cleaning suggestions. There are cleaners available from safety companies to get oils out of your fire suit without damaging the fabrics.

Above left: Daryl Nutting, who drives a sportsman class race car at MIR, has a unique trailer to transport his car that honors those lost on September 11, 2001. Above right: Driver Daryl Nutting (center) with Rusty Shepard (pit crew member) and Alicia Granger in front of his sportsman class car.