General Safety Guidelines for Race Drivers

September 6th, 2007 by Shenron

Car racing is a very empowering sport. The feeling of adrenalin rush is just too great to be ignored. But racing is a dangerous game. Danger always lurks where abundance of speed is present. Accidents happen in just a blink of an eye and when people’s lives are involved, second chances don’t come often.

Anybody who participates in a car racing competition acknowledges the risks that are involved. Aside from the possibility of car damage, drivers could suffer from injury, which might lead to partial or total disability, and even death. If you took the time, effort, and money to setup a power-charged car to race, it wouldn’t hurt to do the same to ensure your safety.

Racecar drivers must always wear protective clothing and headgear. High-speed racing is full of pressure. Aside from the pressure on the driver to win, pressure building up within the engine and other mechanical or electrical parts, not to mention the explosive nature of NOS, explosion is inevitable. Explosion is one of the major accidents that can happen during a race. Take time to check fire suit for tears or for presence of substances that might void the flame-resistance capacity of the fabric.

Always wear flame-retardant gloves and shoes for added protection and use only helmets that have Snell Ratings. Helmets with Snell Ratings have passed multiple impact tests and are made of thicker materials. Fabric and paints used on these helmets are also flame-retardant.

Check that the car’s electrical wirings, fuel lines, and coolant overflow tank are secured and properly functioning. Thoroughly inspect seatbelt for wear and tear. Make sure that harnesses are fully functional and that seats are tightly bolted.

Don’t forget to investigate under the hood of the car. Replace weak hoses, look for cracks and have them serviced or repaired, and then move down under the chassis. Do not ignore visible wear and tear on any exhaust and suspension component.

The car’s battery must be properly mounted with the terminals hooked up tightly. Tires should have a tread depth of at least 3/32 and wheel studs tightly fastened. If you have installed a nitrous oxide system, make sure that the bottle vent is to the car’s exterior.

Never drive a car to race if you’re not familiar with it. Race drivers have a special bond with their cars. If a friend asks you to drive his car to race, make sure to spend some time getting to know the inner and outer workings of the car first before going to battle. Get the feel of the car and let the car conform to your driving style. Even if you are an expert driver, a different car is always an unknown territory and unknown can be dangerous.

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