WJ, as a really smart guy, is suggesting something really worthwhile and constructive here.

You go, Warren! I support any additional efforts that will keep my heros safe! I really really don't want to love a sport that can suddenly take away people as wonderful and full of life as Eric.

As a matter of fact, these incidents make me wonder if I'm really doing the right thing being a drag racing fan in the first place!

-85% Jimmy

Excellent idea. The NTSB's recommendations have saved many lives.

I would think the main problem here is data collection and consist of the investigation team.

The NTSB is assisted by the manufacturers (engine, airframe, avionics, etc), FAA, crew representatives, etc. Who will do this job for racing? There are also many data products to look at. CVR, FDR, radar, communications tapes. Not as much available on a racecar, especially if the pass wasn't filmed, and then it would have to be from various angles. Obviously ESPN has that covered during a national event, but not the case at a test session.

Might be time to move forward on the idea though.

The cost may be an issue, but as long as the cost (if added) to a raceday ticket is stated on the ticket, to what precentage of the ticket price would go to the body.

Maybe get together with the NASCAR folks to help finance the idea? (litghts the blue touch paper and stands well back!)

Cheers

James

Racing is dangerous by definition. That danger involves people getting injured or killed sometimes. It's the way it is- most racers would say that if they're not running on the brink of catastrophe, they're not pushing hard enough. Every racer knows the risks and accepts them. The fans need to as well.

That is a really stupid statement!!! Flying is dangerous also, but they do inquirie's when theres a crash, What are we supposed to do say pi** on it S*** happens, oh well??? I sure as hell hope your kidding. I dont wanna see anymore friends killed when somthing could have been learned from an investigation. If it would keep from getting others killed I'd gladly make a donation to do a reconstruct. You've obviously never lost someone you love to a racing accident.

I agree with WJ on a lot of issues and this one is no different. Eric's death is our equivalent of Dale Earnhart's over in circle track land. The investigation surrounding his wreck at Daytona was extremely thourough and the results were made public. Say what you will about NASCAR but they handled it correctly. The ball is in NHRA's court to follow suit and hande this correctly...and make the right changes in the near future.

I think that WJ's onto something. When something fails and the result is catastrophic, it's important for an "outside", trained group of people to investigate to make sure that the cause is determined and the necessary correction is made. What happened to Eric may not be limited to just his car and/or equipment. What if a team made the wrong determination and nothing was done to correct the actual problem. That problem affects all of the cars in that class and possibly in other classes as well.
I was shocked to read that no other driver had lost his life in a fuel funny car in the last 38 years in NHRA competition. Wouldn't it be great if no one was ever killed again? I say yell loudly WJ. Someone has to listen.

I strongly agree with Warren Johnson. An independent review with a public disclosure of the findings is needed to maintain the credibility of our sport. As far as the cost, I think it is the responsibility of the sanctioning bodies, track owners, and Sponsors to foot the bill. It is THEIR responsibility to assure the safety of the competitors that put it on the line for their economic benefit.

It also takes "inside" people to provide insight.

The NTSB wouldn't be able to conduct the most in-depth investigation possible without the assistance of the aircraft manufacturer, etc.

Isn't that a bit like saying "let the government pay for it"?

Just like taxpayers fund the goverment, we fund the sanctioning bodies, track owners, and sponsors.

Their presentation of the 'data' from that investigation was not completely forthcoming. For instance, they sort of glossed over the fact that every belt used in the #3 car was installed wrong.




One potential problem with an NTSB style investigation is that teams would be required to turn over data which may be sensitive. Use the Bruce Allen/Koretzky crash as an example. The dynamics and movements of the cars could be recreated from video. But then, to go a step further and determine cause, you would need the Racepak data from both cars....possibly access to the clutch and suspension setups....and the drag and downforce #'s to look into why the car got loose in the first place. And then at the end of the investigation, all of this information is made public.


And don't forget...NTSB investigations usually assign blame and fault....that is another can of worms some may not want to open.

NTSB is funded by taxes.....That is a crazy statement by Warren....NTSB is involved in public transportation. A 330 mph recreational vehicle is not for the general public.
Medlens accident was sad and unfortunate and I hope nothing like that takes place again but to say the NHRA, track operators, sponsors, etc need to get involved is wrong, in my opinion.
When I licensed in a TA/FC one of the first things I realized is that no one was going to baby-sit our team in regards to safety. On the starting line they (NHRA) never checked to make sure I was belted in tight, fire bottles were full, throttle cable was adjusted right, butterfly shaft arms/lock-nuts were tightened, etc.....That was our responsibility....
I even discussed w/ my better half what to do w/ me in case of a negative situation....I am a proactive person that knows sometimes bad stuff happens....

__________________
"The Doctor"
www.wannaberacing.com

He didn't mention THE NTSB..he mentioned NTSB-LIKE..you know like..looking over what happened and maybe prevent it from happening in the future. And look what Doc says..pure and simple. There may be something we can improve on. Simple, eh?

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--Medicated for your safety!!--