Racing rules changed by Brewerton Speedway NT
In the aftermath of the Kevin Ward Jr tragedy Speedway tracks and racing groups have started to review their racing rules. While it is standard practice to review all aspects of any accident so that safety can be improve it is astounding that many tracks have not had rules in place that demand the driver remain in his race car until instructed by track safety officials that it is safe to alight
.The racecar chassis today are so well designed and built that it is the safest place for the driver to be. Witness if you will the most recent massive crash at Knoxville by Sheldon Haudenschild, car was a total wreck but young Sheldon walked away .Testament to their safety.
The only exception might be when the race car is on fire with the driver is real danger .Track safety crews and fire marshals are always on the spot to manage these problems and do time and time again in the most professional way.
With so many different sanctioning group involved in Speedway I guess it is no surprise that racing rules differ from group o group. I was surprised when I read ALL the racing rules in the World of Outlaws Sprintcar rule book that there was no mention about the driver remaining within the race car while on the racing surface , and I have read it three times !
There are plenty of rules that apply to pit crew members and their access to the racing surface. To me this is such an obvious rules, but at racetracks it is very common to see drivers alight and show levels of anger at competing drivers when they feel they have been forced out of the race or disadvantaged by a fellow driver.
I was pleased to read this morning that the Brewerton Speedway in NY where Kevin Ward jr was a regular in the Super Sprint Series that they have added the following changes to their procedural rules.
The following bulletin was released by the track promoter:
Under section III (Procedural Rules) of the Fulton and Brewerton “General and Safety Rules”, please note the following adjustment to rule number 10 that will be effective immediately.
1. PROCEDURAL RULES
2. It is the goal of speedway management to maintain the safest possible racing conditions for all drivers. Only safety crews and wrecker crews are permitted on the track in the event of an accident. Pit crew members are not permitted on the track. Drivers are required to stay in their car in the event of an on-track incident. If a driver, for whatever reason, exits a car on the track during a caution period, the race will automatically be placed under a red flag and all cars will come to a complete stop. A driver may exit a car if requested by a safety crew member or if safety warrants in cases such as a fire. Drivers that exit a car without permission, for whatever reason, are subject to fine and/or suspension at the discretion of track management.
Hopefully more tracks and sanctioning groups will review their racing rules and make similar changes that demand the driver remain safe with the race car..
