Track EMS and emergency medical expert Joe Powell pointed out the many issues facing racers, crew and families at various racing venues where track safety could be improved. Awareness and knowledge of on-track emergency services as well as the fire extinguishing crew’s location should be a priority for racers and crew.

Another subject discussed was the often low level of crew safety equipment at events, effectively the willful neglect of acquiring adequate protection such as fire retardant clothing, gloves and shoes, leading to sometimes life threatening injuries. The high cost of the best equipment is most often cited as the reason they skimp on protection, but it was pointed out that the costs of a hospital stay, and missing work, can be far greater.

Mike Hurst who is SFI’s Technical Manager gave the audience a virtual tour of the SFI’s testing facilities in Poway, California. Mike explained the difference in heat transfer and mechanical resistance between various fibers. Once again, the subject of wearing polyester or nylon underwear beneath the driver’s suit, materials which can melt on the skin even without direct contact with flame came up as an unwise practice by so many racers, and crew. Mike also reminded the audience about the increasing problem of fake safety equipment manufactured mostly in Asia by unscrupulous companies. These products, sold online at very low prices, bear fake certification labels and are for the most part very dangerous as shown by test performed by the SFI. Racing harnesses, racing suits, helmets as well as other garments, often made of inadequate materials that can result in serious injuries or death compared to properly constructed and certified products. The SFI is going forward with electronic labeling, following the FIA’s barcode example.