After much concern from drivers and pit crews this week, we felt it best to make a statement on our fire response policy at Texoma Motor Speedway.
1. First and foremost is our response time, our quad is equipment with Co2 extinguishers.
2. Our second step is to move in with additional Co2 units as our fire truck is route to the fire.
3. With our fire truck on site we are able to fight the fire with large amounts of treated water for an extended time.
A. Our goal is to extinguish the fire and then rescue the driver, we do not feel it is in the best interest to remove the driver prior to being examined for neck, back or other injures.
B. Our rescue team is not equipped with fire suites and we do not ask them to go in to a fire! We feel our equipment is capable to put a car fire out without risking further injuries.
Most track owners know that you can never have enough fire equipment or enough fire fighters to protect drivers and pit crews, I am sure that most are doing their very best! Not one person I know wants to see another human being hurt, and yes this includes track promoters and I feel that they are doing what they can to make it safe for you to race.
It may be time to ask yourself if you are doing everything to make your driver safe!
1. How old is your fire suite?
2. Do you have fire retarded gloves and shoes?
3. Do you have fire extinguisher in your trailer and is it handy?
4. Do you store your fuel away from fire/cigarettes?
There are many other questions to ask yourself.
If you have some old fire suites, gloves, head socks or any other fire equipment I am sure your local track would love to have it! Let's work though this tragic time and not let the pain that this little girl has gone though be for nothing! Promoters, drivers and pit crews must do their part to make our sport safe.
Have a fun safe and hopefully dry race this weekend.
Ron Clark
Texoma Motor Speedway
7567 Seymour Hwy
Wichita Falls, Texas 76310
940-447-4143
