R.I.P. ERIC
2007-03-24 05:05:21 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Auto Racing ➔ Other - Auto Racing
I agree about the safer barriers. It should be a mandatory saftey mandate on the national event stops where the top classes run. It comes down to money at a local level. Insurance prices are killing local tracks, most have resorted to 1/8 mile racing. Eric was an great driver and will be missed and I wish that something like this didn't have to happen before saftey considerations are made.
2007-03-24 05:49:48 · answer #1 · answered by Knuckles™ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unfortunately, it takes a tragedy for people to take notice of the issues of safety. Take NASCAR as an example. Once Earnhardt Sr. was killed, the sport decided to mandate HANS devices and help install SAFER barriers on tracks.
That being said, I believe that the NHRA will react to the death of Eric by installing the SAFER barriers. It might not help much at the speeds they can run at, but it's better than running into a concrete wall.
2007-03-24 08:00:47 · answer #2 · answered by ranger_x8b 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are other factors to consider besides the drivers lives, however. Think of the safety of the crowd. It's possible that one of the NASCAR style SAFERs might act as a "springboard" for a lightweight car going that fast. The giant foam ones (I've saw pictures of them from USAC races, never saw a track with those first hand), one the other hand, could cause large fires and flaming debris. Also, would it be safe for motorcyclists to use that kind of wall? There are many questions to be asked before anyone jumps to conclusions about the barriers.
Let's just hope some kind of safety developments are developed due to this.
Godspeed, Eric.
2007-03-24 16:33:53 · answer #3 · answered by ch85us2001 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Another thing to consider is how often do cars actually hit the wall? In NASCAR you can be assured that the barrires will be used. Also will the barrires do any good proceting a car going that fast, in nascar, greg biffel punched a hole thru the wall last year @ Texas. he was probbaly going about 160, even tho the cars are heavier, they wont be going as fast.
2007-03-25 05:18:35 · answer #4 · answered by Mr.awsomeness 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Eric Medlen R.I.P. My friend was there-said it looked like a tire blew at 1,000 feet. Doubt anything could have saved him at probably 275 mph plus.
2007-03-24 08:45:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
THERE IS NO BARRIER THAT IS GOING TO SAVE YOU AT 280 MPH WHICH IS THE SPEED THEY HAVE REACHED AT THE 1/8.
2007-03-24 07:33:08 · answer #6 · answered by SWEET SARAH 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋