No news on NASCAR safety review until August
NASCAR isn't expected to make public the conclusions from a major review on safety until August. But it remains unclear whether the study will give specific answers on the cause of the head injuries that killed seven-times NASCAR Winston Cup champion Dale Earnhardt in February's Daytona 500.
NASCAR confirmed yesterday (Monday) that it had commissioned a comprehensive 'accident-reconstruction review with highly specialised external resources being utilised as part of its current efforts.'
The study will look at all aspects of vehicle and driver safety in stock car racing, but appears biased towards a general review of safety and not specifically to Earnhardt's accident, in which he died instantly from a basal skull fracture.
Initially, NASCAR's medical delegate implied that the injuries were caused by whiplash as Earnhardt's car hit the Turn 3 outer retaining wall at around 165mph. But a week later it was announced that a broken lap belt was discovered in the car, meaning that Earnhardt could have struck the steering wheel.
In a prepared statement, NASCAR president Mike Helton said: "When we encounter situations that are new or unique, it is both appropriate and necessary to obtain additional perspectives.
"This review is a result of just that - given the circumstances surrounding the occupant restraint system in Dale Earnhardt's tragic accident on February 18th."
NASCAR's announcement comes just days before the Orlando Sentinel is expected to release the findings of neck trauma specialist Dr Barry Myers. The newspaper was denied access to Earnhardt's autopsy photos, but was instead allowed to ask the independently-appointed Myers three questions after he had studied the pictures.
With many questioning how proactive NASCAR is in safety matters, the timing of the statement is a signal from the governing body that it is taking an active role in improving safety and isolating the cause of injuries such as those to Earnhardt.
As well as Earnhardt, three drivers were killed in NASCAR's major touring series in 2000. Kenny Irwin (Winston Cup) and Adam Petty (Busch Series) died in near-identical circumstances at New Hampshire International Speedway, while Tony Roper (Craftsman Truck Series) died at Texas Motor Speedway. Head injuries were a contributing factor in all three cases.
Share Or Save This Story
How GM tech accelerated Cadillac's F1 entry
MotoGP chief defends officiating of Catalan GP
The F1 power unit formula solution that could suit all parties
How Aprilia's Barcelona collapse showed the pressures of leading MotoGP's title race
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments