Now that the 2023 race season is coming to a close, it’s time to look head to 2024. Preparations, race planning, and perhaps new builds are under way. Most teams are taking this time to tear apart cars, down to bear chassis, and inspect their gear. Making sure a race car is safe and ready to rip is the most important part of this time of year. A good in depth examination of chassis’ and gear could save time, money and heartbreak in the near future.
With the rapid improvements in safety gear our collective understanding of how to stay safe while racing has improved.
When I started racing neck restraints were not required, we work ‘neck pillows’ to protect our c-spine. The first time I had to strap into a neck restraint it was claustrophobic and uncomfortable, I hated it. Now, I don’t even pre run without one. I remember our first window nets as well, they were large nylon squares, no SFI rating, I am sure they would have stopped larger rocks but there wasn’t the intense scrutiny of their functionality. Now most race associations have specific and stringent rules regarding safety gear for those both in and out of the cars. It can be easy to get frustrated when an association rolls out new rules. It can also be tiresome when things seem to be constantly expiring. It is important thing to remind ourselves that we are lucky our safety gear is expiring and we have to spend money to get new products instead of using them.
Safety should be a top priority regardless of cost, realistically we have to find a balance. Recertifying safety gear is one way to save money and make sure safety is still maintained. Aside from dates of expiration on things like harnesses, fire extinguishers, and hans devices, it is important to check for wear. Visually examining the nylon straps to make sure they aren’t frayed or pulling apart can literally save your life.
Same with fire extinguishers. I would hate to need an extinguisher only to find it has lost its charge, losing an entire vehicle, or worse, in a fire. This season I found a company that recertified all of our existing fire extinguishers, confirming that they were truly full and operational. I highly recommend this option, having to buy several extinguishers to meet the appropriate rule requirements cost an arm and a leg.
Choosing high quality products will not only assure your safety both in and out of the car, it also makes maintaining the products easier. A higher cost up front to buy gear that can be recertified will help keep costs down in the future. Proper fit, storage, and maintenance will also ensure longevity in your safety gear. Cost can be off putting, and it is easy to want to go the cheaper route but at the end of the day safety is the most important factor of what we do!