Why in Freakin’ Hell…?
You know that common and overused phrase NASCAR and HWSBO use? It goes something like, “we care about safety, the drivers, crews and pit road workers.” “We do everything we can to prevent accidents and promote a safe environment for fans and participants alike.”
Bill Elliot has other thoughts on the matter. FoxSports has posted an excerpt from Bill’s book, Awesome Bill From Dawsonville. Here’s a section that caught my eye that’s related to safety:
I know all this for a fact because after my crash at Talladega in 1996, NASCAR asked Cindy to join a committee that would examine medical care within NASCAR. She spent a full year on that project, and by the end of that year she had a doctor lined up who had agreed to take all the liability off NASCAR’s shoulders. Furthermore, Cindy and the NASCAR Wives Auxiliary were going to fund a mobile trauma unit that would travel, a la IRL, to all Cup races. In addition to the latest diagnostic equipment, it would have the up-to-date medical files of every driver onboard. Amazingly it wasn’t until 2002 that such records were even kept at Cup races. Until then, if a driver was in a crash and he had no family at the race, medical professionals had no insight into his medical history. There are known cases of drivers racing with shunts in their head from previous injuries. I know this sounds crazy but it’s true.Clearly, the committee that Cindy was on had proven that we could easily have a unit like they have in Indy racing
I too question why NASCAR hasn’t pursued a full-time paramedic/trauma unit team for its series. Dr. Stephen Olvey, the trauma physician who has work with CART, is about to release a new book stating among other things why the current NASCAR medical safety team model is inadequate.
But at the same time, I’ve got my doubts about Elliott’s representation about any doc who “agreed to take all the liability off NASCAR’s shoulders”. First, I can’t believe there is a single malpractice or general liability insurance company in the country who would be willing to insure a single doc or his team. Two, if they did, the rates would be obscenely cost-prohibitive for that doc. Three, even if the doc had good intentions, a sound biz model, and insurors at his back, could they totally “take all the liability”? NASCAR is still running the show. Shoe scum…er, I mean attorneys…could still convince juries to find NASCAR negligent - whether they outsourced or not.
Sold. I’m going to buy the book.
Bill’s book notwithstanding, I think NASCAR is fairly safe with SAFER barriers, mandatory full-face helmets and head-and-neck restraint devices, etc.
A dedicated medical crew is a good idea, for sure.
Wow, & I thought F1 had dragged the chain pre 80’s & Sid Watkins continued improvements at circuits. I’m speechless, I just assumed that NASCAR medical units were first class. Considering NASCAR’s political correctness & the potential for legal suits resulting from an accident I am amazed the France’s left this door open.
I agree Don, of all the racing series NASCAR may be at the top of the heap on safety and in no small part due to being encased in all that tin.
As we all know what Bill is referrng to is after crash care and from his anecdotes that care sounds very lacking.
I would be in favor of a dedicated travelling medical team but I also realize the local variety that are used now would also be present.
If wouldn’t be practical on large tracks because they would need to have several of the dedicated teams and ambulances for complete coverage.
Having said that, with NASCAR apparently refusing to consider the option is outrageous.
First, I can