Ken Etter injured in an accident at Fontana

[Run to Rund]

My experience is only GM A bodies, but they use a steel retainer, not a rubber grommet or boot. My limited surfing of the 'net suggests that is what some other cars use. I wouldn't trust a rubber grommet. I'd back it up with a strap bolted across the pushrod area, with a hole or slot for the pushrod. when I assembled my current 66 with a GM type dual master cylinder, it didn't look like the rod could fall out of the deep recess in the master cylinder, but I was anal and scoured junkyards until I found the correct retainer. The yard had a dual master cylinder hanging on the wall, with pushrod and retainer still attached, and wouldn't sell just the parts I wanted. So, I paid the whole $5 or 10 and then threw away the cylinder.

I am so sorry to read about your tragedy and hope no one assumes the stock or aftermarket master cylinder setup is "good enough" in the future. I didn't even give my worry any vocalization, assuming others knew what to do, or that I was excessively detail-oriented. There are so many things that can go wrong, and it is through forums like this that we seek them out and fix them. For example, I run a full face helmet SA2005 and "assumed" it was good protection for the lower jaw. Your experience shows that the steering column can still be an issue.

[Ken Etter]

I also assumed I was good with a motorcycle full face. I am looking into getting a drag race dedicated helmet that will protect the throat and jaw better. I currently have a jaw broken in 2 places. Broke down the middle of my chin and broken right mandible also. There was a huge gash on my chin they sewed up the day of the accident. I had surgery to repair everything last friday. My jaw will be shut for up to 8 weeks! Guess its time to get creative with a blender!!!

[Floyd Staggs]

Hey Ken, it sounds like you're feeling better.
If you get bored you can jelp me put my motor back together. I have plenty of straws. LOL.

[mopar jeff]

In the midst of all this, I contacted Lamb Components and talked to Betty. I have thier brakes on both my race cars, but I wanted to be sure they had all the safety features built in. She assured me there was no way the rod could come out of the master cylinder on thier product. Also the master is a split master, so if you lose one end of the brakes, you still have the other end. Even without a factory or aftermarket proportioning valve. Just food for thought. I am glad you are doing better Ken, and I wish for a speedy recovery. I need to have a second chance at beating you on the dragstrip.

[Ken Etter]

Hey Jeff I think we are 1 and 1 now. Once they figure out how to fix my ankle I will still have to figure out what car to drive. The worst part of this whole experience for me is that I didnt own the car I was driving. Bill Riddle owned the car. I am trying to figure out how to make things square with him although he says as far as he is concerened all is good. I am hoping to be able to race at the end of the year at Vegas. 2 months to get better should be enough I hope!

[mike natoli]

Ken,
Been following your story since I first read it hear on classracer. We all know this has happened in the past to very prominent racers and it happened to me too. I'll never forget going for the brake pedal I thought something happened to my foot. Than looking down to see where the f did the brake pedal go. I remember saying "Holy s__t" what now I started kicking the bottom of the dash and I got lucky it fell back into the back of the master cylinder. Coming back down the return road I just womped the throttle and watched the pedal start to swing back. After that I spoke to my partner who had just put in a new master and decided to leave the grommet off the push rod and not replace the brake light switch or the pedal stop. I remember going through tech soon after Peter Biondo wrecked and the tech inspector ripped so hard on my brake pedal that he broke the grommet the brake switch and the pedal stop I had put in. I could not believe he used that much excessive force. I told him that I have had experience with the pushrod falling out of the master and have never had it happen since. When we leave the G force just swings the pedal and push rod from the master and sometimes will fall back into place but have it happen that one time and you will never forget. Get well soon, love watching those MOPARS you drive go.
Mike

[Peter Biondo]

I feel for you Ken. Coming from someone that has been there and done that. I was a little luckier in that I hit a tree with the right side of my car so I was able to walk away uninjured. Get well!

We take it for granted that stuff like this never happens. Between Ken's picture and mine here, it should sink in to all of us that it does and that 120 mph may not be 300, but it's still VERY fast. One thing I've learned from it is that I always check out the shut down options before I make a run at a new track and play out a few "what if" scenarios in my head. It only takes a few minutes and can save your life.

And of course the obvious; check the car out thoroughly. We get so wrapped up in performance, consistency etc, we easily overlook the basic safety issues.

Peter

[Ken Etter]

I have had alot of calls from people checking in on me and they have all heard different stories of my injuries. Thought I'd give a basic rundown of what hsppened to me. First fractured jaw in 2 places,had surgery friday to put plates in and repair it. Wired shut for now. Also have a 3 " laceration on my chin where it broke. Guess the gotee will have to stay. I have a fracture in my right hand. misc lacerations on my hands,arms and knee. bruises on my legs,stomach,arms,basically everywhere. The heel on my lft foot is badly bruised. My right hip and knee are also badly bruised or sprained. My right ankle has me worried the most it is not broken but severly swollen up to my knee. There may be tendon or ligament damage not sure yet. They wanted to focus on the jaw and will shift to the ankle following my jaw appointment on monday.No neck pain except from the jaw and no back pain whatsoever. I am still amazed I didnt break my back or neck. Anyways just wanted to set the injuries straight. All in all I am the luckiest man alive right now.

[Floyd Staggs]

Mornin Ken, yes, your lucky but it sounds like you're also tuff!
Good luck on the mend.

[mopar jeff]

Originally Posted by Ken Etter

Hey Jeff I think we are 1 and 1 now. Once they figure out how to fix my ankle I will still have to figure out what car to drive. The worst part of this whole experience for me is that I didnt own the car I was driving. Bill Riddle owned the car. I am trying to figure out how to make things square with him although he says as far as he is concerened all is good. I am hoping to be able to race at the end of the year at Vegas. 2 months to get better should be enough I hope!

Ken,
I don't remember when I last beat you, but I sure remember losing to you on the fateful day. I think that was the first time we had talked much in the staging lanes, so I really fealt bad after your accident. Kind of like it happened to a close friend. From your laundry list of injuries, I am amazed you are doing so well, but I am glad. I don't know Bill Riddle, but he must be a hell of a guy. You have lots of great people around to help you, so please don't ever hesitate to ask. Us racers stick together, and will always help where we can. It would be great to see you in Vegas, racing or not. I will be there with my stocker, maybe for the national and the divisional. Hopefully you can make it out and we can meet up in the finals. Take care, and let me know if I can do anything to help.