Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

When you have to go get your new seat belts, helmet and all of the other safety equipment you might think about this.

A fellow Mopar racer was at Motor Mile Dragway and his car caught fire at the end of the track. (See video on MOPARTS) In the video the people at the starting line have let the next pair of cars do a burn out while the spectators are yelling to the starting line crew about the smoke at the top end. The video shows the car burning and a "fire truck" sitting at the return road. First there was no firefighters with the truck. The truck would not crank and the track personnel tells him there is no water in it. The man's car burns completely up because the track personnel tell him they do not have money to pay for safety equipment and personnel.

We pay all of the fees and throw away brand new equipment because the date has run out. Considering who owns this track this is a shame.

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

That is incredible. No excuse.,

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

That totally sucks, I guess we all should carry a fire extinguisher in the race car just in case. When I teched in last Saturday the tech guy informed me my M2000 helmet will be done at the end of this year. There goes another $150 for no reason.

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

From what I'm reading a fire extinguisher wouldn't mean squat.He seems to have been trapped in the car.
That ***** hole of a track should be closed and the staff prosecuted to the full extent of the law if the emergency crew was that inept and the equipment useless.
Phil,don't you think you life is worth a lousey $150?After all a Snell/M 2000 has been in use for a long time.
I had a tech guy tell me a few years ago,when he saw my helmet was a Snell
certified helmet that he was amazed how many guys with fast cars still cheap out and use M helmets.I don't know if there's a real difference.I know you pay more for a Snell approved one.

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

I put a fire extinguisher in mine when IHRA started requiring them a few years ago. An NHRA tech guy told me I needed to take it out, that if I could get it out quickly it could come loose if I ever flipped the car and it would beat the crap out of me (just clothes to burn if that ever happened). So, IHRA I put it in, NHRA I put it in the trailer. What he told me makes sense, best to have permanently mounted fire bottles and plumbing. I don't.

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

Ed, fortunately he was not trapped in the car; however, if the useless "fire truck" had been operational he might not have lost his whole car. My point is NHRA, IHRA, etc makes us meet all of these safety rule; however, a track can get by with no safety equipment or personnel.

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

Ed - The "M" class helmets are Snell approved, just a different classification. Although the "SA" class is designed for auto racing, the "M" is also accepted by NHRA. This is from the Snell website:

What are the differences between the SA, M and K standards?

The SA standard was designed for competitive auto racing while the M standard was for motorcycling and other motorsports. The K standard was released to accommodate helmets used in karting. There are three major differences between them:

1.The SA standard requires flammability test while the M and K standards do not.
2.The SA and K standards allow for a narrower visual field than the M standard (Some SA and K certified helmets may not be street legal).
3.The SA and K standards include a rollbar multi-impact test while the M standard does not.

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

Who owns that track?

Here is a link to the video
http://www.youtube.com/v/iK79jODB6_I

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

They would of hauled me off to jail because I would've started with the first mother****ing track official and not stopped beating until either the cops showed up or they were all dead.
LAWSUIT!!!!!
Braindead asshole sitting in the firetruck? AN EMPTY TRUCK????
Let me guess, only bandaids in the ambulance because they couldn't afford the defibulator or oxygen?

Again, LAWSUIT!!!

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

I think it's Shelor Motor mile or something like that owns that track. They are a dealership around Radford Va. that sells about every type car and truck made, american and foreign.
If my memory serves me right, they also sponsored a Pro Stock car not too long ago.

_____________________________________

Andy Stone 1102 A/S 1112 SS/C

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

I am for letting Phil run with the outdated helmet. Could it do any more damage? Hmmmmmm Yep save the buck fifty and run the old one, with no belts, on a slick track, yah thats the ticket..... lol

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

They should close that track after the lawyers get thru with their *****!

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

Thats very sad to watch, especially when the guy is waving for help that should have already been at the end of the track waiting on him.

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

nhra wont say a word because it'll hit in their pocket ,because it is matt hagen's dad that owns that track,the same one that drives for mr nhra don schumacher.i have tried the link a couple of times an it doesn't work i wonder if they had it pulled

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

Searched and didn't see it discussed previously here, along the same lines, here is video of the "Ambulance" at No Limit Raceway AKA US41 in Indiana.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faoFVmL-S4E

I guess the only way this will stop is for the racers to personally look these vehicles over at these small time tracks every time they go there, and refuse to race when things like this are found. Then again, there's probably the crowd who will race anyway, because after all this sort of thing could never happen to them.

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

And look at all the people on golf carts shouldnt have been that either.

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

First responders in shorts and tennis shoes also. Indy is my home track and I have always thought that we take all the safety stuff they have for granted. The ambulance is always staffed and running with at least two people on board.

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

Do you guy's really think it makes any sense to throw away a four year old helmet just to replace it with one that isn't any better than the last? You must agree with having to buy new seat belts every two years also. Mine are due this winter again also, Less than 50 runs.

What about those small hand held halon extinguishers? I know I don't have room for a regular size extinguisher but it might be an option.

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

Phil,I don't know how many times you race per seasdon,but there's guys who race a lot.I'm sure they base the need to replace equipment based on the high usage side as opposed to low usage.I'm sure the reasoning is centered on the neck strap,that's secured every run and absorbs sweat.It probably weakens the material.
I could be wrong though.Anyway I'm due for a new helmet next year and I guess I'll
be getting one for Xmas.

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

I believe they sponsor a big "shoe" funny car.

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

Think bigger.

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

Don't blame the young folks than man the emergency equitment. It starts at the top, with management, training, education and drills on the types of possible incidents that could occur, and I'm sure there are minimum fire/EMS response requirements in place. I would say the management dodged a very big problem (personal injury) in this incident. It will serve as a wake-up to the track staff. Again, it starts at the top for folks that knew....or should have known! I would think that the sanctioning bodies would have a director of safety, and under them someone that would look at all tracks safety programs. I have written several articles on track emergency operations....but they fall on deaf ears. In emergency situations...sometimes you don't get a second chance to get it right! NHRA and IHRA have very good emergency programs at National and Divisonal events. Is a life worth more at one of those? Does'nt that sound kinda stupid.....

Wade Mahaffey

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

Wade, I couldn't agree with you more! I had always thought that there was a minimum requirement for Fire and EMS at facilities that were sanctioned by the NHRA or IHRA. Having the right equipment is just part of it, training these first responders is also necessary. Most tracks won't operate unless there is an ambulance with an certified EMS crew present, but usually the only fire protection is a few assorted fire extinguishers in the back of a pickup truck! I guess it depends on where you race.

Lew

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

You aren't serious about your first sentence are you?You say you're a firefighter.
Would you get on a pumper that you know has a non working pump and or hoses with holes in it and go fight a fire?
The numbnuts who are supposed to man that equipment are just as guilty as the
management and whoever sanctions that $hithole.Also the insurance carrier, unless they had the wool pulled over their eyes by the track.

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

Ed, Just because they place you in a fire truck, does not make you a firefighter. Most tracks hire folks that only have an EMT certification. To have an EMT Cert., you must be affiliated with an emergency service ie fire dept, EMS, private amb service, and under the director for that state (normally a doctor). Track operators (most) don't realize that because you're an EMT, that does not mean you are a firefighter. And thus may have no experience with firefighting equitment and/or apparatus. That's why you can't blame a sixteen y/o kid that has got an EMT Certification....but does'nt know the front, from the back of the fire truck. In some jurisdictions FD and EMS are at different locations and different buildings, and are not cross trained. That's why it starts from the top, If the top does'nt have experience in a certian area of race operations (ie emergency operations/safety), he should hire someone to run that portion of the facility. As a program director, you must train subordinates and then monitor their development and/or abilities. Training modules/exercises will provide skills/knowledge and allow the instructor to identify any issues for a focused instruction. Again, several good articles can be found on my site under "racing safety" and "my blog" (click on older posts). When you have an emergency, you need the best and right now!

Wade Mahaffey

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

I would bet you could contact the sanctioning body and determine who the insurance carrier is for the track. If the carrier finds out safety procedures are not being followed, they'll pull the endorsement lickety-split. :mad:

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

Ed,
20-30 weekends a season. The west coast is pretty low in humidity so our straps don't rot off too often, Maybe it's different back east? I would probably spend the extra money for a better helmet if I didn't have to throw it away every few years.

Is there a fire extinguisher available for us to have in the car that is small enough to used and not so large as to be a burden?

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

After calming down.....I'll just say this. The reason I stopped racing on the street was because of a 68 pontiac with a 428 I was racing. He wanted to go double or nothing but before he could he needed a "just a second" to re-tie the binder twine around his tie rod end! I was door to door on a two lane road at 130mph beside this only moments before!!

That was my last street race. I race at a track because of the safety not because I'm worried about the law.
Having a non-serviceable ambulance or firetruck at a track is worse than not having one at all as you can't make an informed decision on whether to race or not.

This HAS to be addressed, as funding is not an excuse for lack of safety.

"well ma'am, he was fine after the accident, just his legs were pinned under the dash...then the fire broke out and he burnt to death" WTF???

Unexcusable!

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

I would have to say the track owner is in some serious insurance neglect ,he has to make it right with the racer that lost his car in the fire,hard to watch that video ,,,,,,,,

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

The track should make it right with the racer and improve on all safety measures, but don't demand that the track gets closed. It's bad enough that the track are being pushed politically and finacially to just stay open. If that track closes, think of where is the next place to go race. I raced at West Hampton on L.I., what ambualance and or fire engine, but it was a place to race at. Now that it is closed, and not for safety reasons, the racers now have to venture to N.J. or up state N.Y. to race. I'm lucky now, racing at PBIR, there is always a fire-rescue manned truck waiting to to if needed.

My $.02
Casey Miles
248H Stock?

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

The IHRA sanctioned track has a fancy website. Wonder how much that costs?

http://www.motormiledragway.com

And from looking at the fire video, spectators at that track can even get up close to the racers at the starting line for a better view.

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

The place needs to be closed down till they get the proper safety equipment and trained personnel.Period,end of story.Doesn't matter who's at fault.
I'm wondering just how safe and legal the car in question is/was.Maybe it was an accident waiting to happen.Maybe their tech leaves a lot to be desired.
A lot of questions and no definate answers.

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

This type of thing should not suprise too many racers, heck my local track...on any given race day has MANY racers running with no lic., outdated safety equipment, veh. that won't pass E.T. tech. Ect. This is a very well known track with Nat. and Div. events. Every year just prior to the bracket finals there's a mad dash to get all their racers up to snuff. These are all; things that should be addressed before they make one lap down the track, yet a blind eye is turned to it until the team finals deal. I've been told by some of the folks that work at this track that they feel as though they would lose some racers if they enforced all the safety rules.... make sense? Joe

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

I knew I saw the Shelor logo on the side of a car but since funny cars
do not interest me, I assumed it was a pro stock car.

I stand corrected.

__________________________________

Andy Stone 1102 A/S 1112 SS/C

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

This car is well built with top notch components. I would be willing to bet that it will have fire suppression when it comes out again. It is the same Dart that you see in the Pinks All Out advertizing that ran at Charlotte.
Regards, Roland

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

I'm afraid this is a growing trend at many tracks throughout the country who are trying to cut corners and keep their outlay down. The cost of the equipment upkeep, the cost of the personnel to man the equipment, and just the general upkeep in the facility is costly to the owners, and takes away from profit. I would advise the next time you go racing check out their equipment and manpower. Let the track know if you find any of it wanting. It's up to us to stay on top of this! Jim

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Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

Just got a nice HJC helmet for $94....

This is what I selected...good to 2017 !
http://www.helmetcity.com/page/HC/CTGY/FS-3-solids

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

Well then I guess that puts the full blame on the track and the sanctioning assoc.
Thanks for the clarification.

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

The man that owns this car is a personal friend of mine. I talked to him yesterday. The car is not a total loss. It needs a windshield,a new vinyl top, a headliner,a new carb and some hoses and lines. This is what I was told by him yesterday. He said he should have had a fire system on the car. The car is a really nice car. It is a nitrous car and no doubt should have a fire system of some kind and he said IF it comes back out, it will have one. No doubt, the fire truck should have had a driver or at least a good battery. Also.....the track does have fire extinguishers along side the track wall every so many feet. Its a terrible situation and the owner of that car is about as good a guy as you'll ever meet and hes not pointing fingers at anyone. I pray that he gets it back together.

Re: Race car burnt at Motor Mile Dragway
 

Well nobody answered my question about who sanctions that place.They're going to have jet cars and a jet truck there on Oct 1st.I wonder if they'll have a fire truck in working condition for that race?