We're looking for a few good men or women to conduct a small experiment. We would like to see how long it take to exit a race car. For this we would like to have some volunteers. and, ideally, we should have a mix of open and closed wheeled cars. And a mix of people who use HANS devices and those who do not.

There's no prizes for this and the intent is NOT (repeat NOT) to embarras anyone. We are only interested in how long it takes to exit the cars and that is all.

We would conduct this experiment at lunch time during the driver's meeting.

If you are interested in participating, please e-mail me at my address:

Hopefully this will be informative and interesting to all.

Thanks

Mike Currie

I have done this myself.  Given my age and obvious bulk, I didn't want to roast in there if things went badly.  I actually did exit the car due to a small engine fire, back in 2007 I believe, (in Pre-Grid).  Every situation /car/driver combination might be different, but my exit strategy has always been based on head first (yes, helmet will hit the ground) and roll away. After a few other attempts in more dignified ways it was the only one that worked quickly enough for me.  6 seconds was my best time.  I used a camping mattress to make my test landings softer. I'd enjoy watching others try this!

Many of the tests being done by some of the other safety organizations are actually two tests. One is the exit test suggested here. The other, probably more important one is the same test, blind folded. This is to mimic a fire/smoke situation. Two of the fatalities in the last couple years were attributed to the victim's inability to see what they were doing. Complicating the problem was that the corner workers could not see and find the fire button due to the dense smoke.

In one of the two tragedies, the car still had the safety pin in the button for the fire system. The corner worker managed to find the button despite the fire and smoke but was unable to activate the system. He had suffered severe burns as he continued to pull not understanding why it wasn't activating. Meanwhile the driver was engulfed in flames. Subsequent to this event a survey was done in Florida where the event took place. It was to find out how many drivers left the grid with the safety pin still in button. 70% had the pin in. The reason? They didn't want the system to accidentally discharge. Makes you think.

Hi Mike,  I will participate.

Roland .

my cars are nascar/cascar chassis and all though all my racing has been on ovals, I have allways worn a Hans device and every time i am in the car at the track I practice getting out in a hurry just in case (you never no) and would encurage everybody to do the same! 
and if i can help i will , as we hope to have one of the cars ready for spring

mike cashen     Mech01@telus.net

The initial intent of this is to convince the drivers to have an exit plan. Thus I'd like to keep this simply a driver oriented thing for the moment. I'm sure the e-crew would be welcome to observe and learn like the rest of us.

I believe Bob is correct and we should practice extractions so that e-crew are familiar with the cars and the issues. We'll have to work on that one for early next season.

Still looking for a couple more "volunteers" expecially in  sedans with lots of paraphenalia.

My car will be there and i would be happy to climb in and out of it with my suit and helmet on , however i do not have a hans device.

Chris Doodson

This is a good time for all of our 'volunteers' to have a close look at their cars and make sure there are no sharp objects or anything else that may catch on their driving suit during a rushed exit that may tear or otherwise damage their driving suit.

It would be a shame to miss a race weekend because you damaged your suit during the demo.

Cheers,

Marc