In a message dated 10/14/2013 2:51:04 PM Central Daylight Time,
kknight@klaenv.com writes:
> If you still are on the fence regarding the purchase of a HANS, or
> similar
> device, read Sam Smith's column in Road and Track November, 2013 issue
> (pg.
> 32). Racing is a calculated risk, make sure the numbers are in your favor
> as much as possible. Enough said.
>
Amici...
I too read that article, and I sure agree it is hard to argue against the
need to wear a HANS (or similar) when racing. Why not increase the odds
against serious injury or death. Why not take every precaution you can? Why
not indeed? It is foolish not to, and articles like the one Sam Smith wrote
in the current issue of ROAD & TRACK will help racers come to that
conclusion.
But in fact, that HANS device is no cart blanch waiver for avoiding injury.
From what I understand, it would not have prevented serious injury in what
happened at Blackhawk last June. I was not there, but I understand that
the driver's head was struck by the wheel of another race car. I am NOT
speaking against the importance of wearing a head and neck restraint, I am just
not sure it would have been a fix in that Formula Vee race at Blackhawk. But
I understand why it caused Sam Smith to quickly question his own safety
equipment habits.
Racing is dangerous. Fangio said that he considered he was taking his life
in his hand every time he took to the track. But that was NOT his greatest
fear. He feared causing an incident where another would be injured or
killed. I kind of share that feeling. Sure I don't want to be injured myself,
but I think I would have an even bigger problem having been involved in an
incident I caused, where someone else was injured. I stopped deer hunting
not because I was afraid of getting shot, but because I worried about shooting
someone else by accident (that happens every year here in Wisconsin).
I think...especially in vintage/historic racing, just as important as the
need for arm restraints, head & neck restraints, seat belts, roll cages, fire
extinguisher, etc., etc., is the need for a good, proper 'Vintage
attitude'. Because of the huge disparity in equipment and talent in our
sport's race
grids, there is no room for 10/10ths (or worse 11/10ths) racing.
Wear a HANS (or similar), but also have a good vintage racing attitude.
Bill Dentinger
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