Sad News... and a Reminder

#1

A gentleman named Alan Burgess has passed away from injuries sustained in the SARRC race at Daytona a couple weeks ago. His car caught fire on the banking and he was evidently unable to trigger his fire suppression system because the pin was still in.

For a few bucks, think about purchasing a “Remove Before Flight” banner at your favorite pilot supply shop. Attach the banner to a length of string that will let you hang it outside the trunk, over the roll bar, etc. so you will see it flapping if you get on track without pulling the pin.

I think I am going to put one on velcro on the dash and one attached to the bottle in the trunk.

Steve D.

#2

As more discussion has evolved on many forums, here are a few other tidbits for consideration:

  • Put your fire bottle pin on your ignition keyring. If they pin is in the bottle, you gots no key!

  • Drive with your face shield down

  • Practice exiting the car. I’ve done this a decent bit, but never with my eyes closed holding my breath. Great recommendation.

  • The nozzles of the fire system should be aimed at you. It’s there to save you, not the car.

  • Balaclavas are a good idea for everyone.

  • Red duct tape and a Sharpie are as good as my $5 “remove before flight” banner.

  • Seal up any holes in the firewall, floor and rear bulkhead.

  • Make sure your fire bottle pull handle is mounted robustly. There was mention of an incident at Thunderhill where the worker pulled the handle and it snapped off in their hand.

Steve D.

#3

Steve D wrote:

[quote]As more discussion has evolved on many forums, here are a few other tidbits for consideration:
…

  • Make sure your fire bottle pull handle is mounted robustly. There was mention of an incident at Thunderhill where the worker pulled the handle and it snapped off in their hand.

Steve D.[/quote]

this could also be because the cable is seized up inside - so disconnect it from the bottle and check that it works periodically
bruce

#4

Disconnecting from the fire bottle and demonstration of a working system might be a good item to have on the tech list each year. Tragic accident, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been on track the pin still in.

#5

I yanked my SPA system bottle out to put out a car on the side of the interstate and got zip…the gauge said fully charged, bottle was 2 years old…check em…

Al

#6

In addition to the excellent advice Steve offered, I’d say to use a two pull system. One pull handle for the corner marshal and another for the driver. And mount the bottle where you can reach it, just in case the pull handle doesn’t work. Centered where the back seat used to be is a pretty good spot.