Exercising Safety When at the Race Track

As a disclaimer, it’s important to know not all events and associations will enforce the same exact rules. For example, the safety standards of the NHRA won’t line up with the requirements of other associations such as the SCCA. This is true for everything from safety equipment required for the vehicle and the drivers.

The Rulebook is Your Best Friend: The best practice for proper driver safety is to refer to the safety requirements section of the rulebook. Even if you have a vehicle that is properly set up for one type of racing you can’t just assume that it is properly equipped for another. Referring to the rules is the only way to be sure you meet the requirements.

The safety gear in a vehicle is just as important as the safety gear the driver will wear. The gear provided for the driver is what will make one feel official and keep one from experiencing bodily injury in the event of a wreck.

Helmet: Helmets are one of the most basic forms of protection used in auto racing and are the very least required at most events. Each individual class and event will have different requirements for helmets – such as DOT approved – and the helmets will need to meet the requirements of specific classes.

Fire Safety Equipment: Fire is a very real threat when it comes to auto racing. Ruptured tanks, leaking fuel, and sparks are all direct contributors to serious fires. Because of this fire safety jackets and suits are required to keep the driver safe from harm in the case of a fire during an accident.

Neck Brace: Protecting your neck is just as important as protecting your head in the event of an accident. Sudden impacts and rollovers can take serious tolls on the neck and spine and proper protection can save your life. This is why many forms of serious racing will require the use of a neck restraint.

Arm Straps:  In a rollover or during loss of control, inertia can leave your arms flailing hopelessly. Arm restraints are used to keep your arms from winding up outside of the car or in a situation where your arm may wind up severely broken or even severed from your body.

The fun of safe practices doesn’t end with protection worn on the body. The vehicle itself will need to be set up with proper safety equipment for each type of racing it is used for and the class it falls under.

Each association and event will have its own requirements so you will need to pay special attention to the rulebooks in order for your vehicle to pass inspection at the track.

Roll Cages and Roll Bars: Roll bars and roll cages offer protection on multiple fronts. They offer safety in the case that a rollover occurs or impact is taken from the sides of the vehicle.

They also are the point where harnesses are attached and why most events require the use of a roll bar at the very least. Track days and NHRA races for cars under 11.99 seconds in the quarter mile will require the use of a roll bar at the very least.

As the events move up to more serious track racing or cars running a 10.99 will be required to be fitted with a full roll cage.

Parachute: A roll cage tells you a vehicle is serious business. A parachute tells you it’s a rocket ship. The use of parachutes is exclusive to drag racing and the NHRA requires them to be used on vehicles that can pass the quarter mile at speeds of 150mph or greater.

Window Net: Window nets are required in many forms of auto racing and are another barrier to keep the driver's body or parts safe from winding up on the outside of the vehicle in the case of an accident.

Harnesses: Roll cages and roll bars are the mounting points for safety harnesses. Wherever a roll cage is present harnesses will be the required form of strapping yourself into the vehicle. 

These components along with the fire safety suit, helmet, neck restraints, window nets, and arm straps all have expiration dates you will need to keep in check.

The final thing to keep in mind in terms of safety is the most important. Safe driving practices will keep you from winding up in serious accidents. Racing and safe driving don’t exactly go hand in hand, but it’s important not to push yourself outside of your comfort zone.

Stay in your line and learn the car before you try to compete with the other drivers. There is time for practice but a real race setting will bring forth circumstances you will not learn to deal with anywhere else.

Don’t be Intimidated: During any sort of track racing where other cars are flying alongside you, behind you, or even in front of you it can be easy to wind up in a situation where you are nervous about the other drivers colliding with you.

You need to learn to trust the other drivers to keep yourself relaxed. Panicking and making sudden movements to avoid other drivers can quickly end up in a deadly situation.