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Topic: Who's the best safety crew around and why? Email this topic to a friend | Subscribe to this TopicReport this Topic to Moderator
Page 1 of 2   of  38 replies
grovemedic2
July 09, 2012 at 02:25:37 PM
Joined: 08/08/2008
Posts: 15
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I would like to know who the best safety crew in sprint car racing is and why? Let me know what they do to make them the best and what they do. If you have a specific area of a crew on a track or specific people let me hear about them, maybe we can get them into the magazine of best of the best.




vande77
July 09, 2012 at 02:44:22 PM
Joined: 01/20/2005
Posts: 2079
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Knoxville (entire crew).

Many of them spent time @ Jamie Ball's shop the week after the accident he had (which shattered his elbow and caused multiple lacerations to his body) last week to see what they can do to speed up getting an injured driver out of the car and to see if there were any safety things that could be done as well.

Many individuals should be called out by name, but unfortunately, I just don't know them. I know the guys in turns 3 and 4 have done the following in just the last couple of seasons (walked straight into a car on fire, released the belts and pulled a driver to safety, when Austin Johnson flipped "out of the park" earlier in 2012, the first rescue guy went "over" the fence to chase the car outside (a couple of cars on the track hadn't gotten stopped yet). Per the driver, the rescue guy made it to the car before the car had even stopped moving).

Former fire guy Mike Vickroy went into a car ablaze in turn 2 to rescue Jeff Mistrison one year as well.

Unfortunately, we only remember these guys and gals when something bad happens and someone got hurt, but I am thankful that they are there for every event all year (especially since I have 2 brothers that race IMCA mod's). I can't say that I've seen the level of professionalism at many tracks that I have attended (I've attended races at multiple venues including the states of Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Minnesota, South Dakota, Kansas, Indiana, Ohio, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida) and a multitude of sanctioning bodies and car types (Sprints, Midgets, Silver Crown, IndyCar, Nascar Cup, ARCA, USAC).



ColtanW
July 09, 2012 at 03:40:32 PM
Joined: 07/03/2010
Posts: 857
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Reply to:
Posted By: vande77 on July 09 2012 at 02:44:22 PM

Knoxville (entire crew).

Many of them spent time @ Jamie Ball's shop the week after the accident he had (which shattered his elbow and caused multiple lacerations to his body) last week to see what they can do to speed up getting an injured driver out of the car and to see if there were any safety things that could be done as well.

Many individuals should be called out by name, but unfortunately, I just don't know them. I know the guys in turns 3 and 4 have done the following in just the last couple of seasons (walked straight into a car on fire, released the belts and pulled a driver to safety, when Austin Johnson flipped "out of the park" earlier in 2012, the first rescue guy went "over" the fence to chase the car outside (a couple of cars on the track hadn't gotten stopped yet). Per the driver, the rescue guy made it to the car before the car had even stopped moving).

Former fire guy Mike Vickroy went into a car ablaze in turn 2 to rescue Jeff Mistrison one year as well.

Unfortunately, we only remember these guys and gals when something bad happens and someone got hurt, but I am thankful that they are there for every event all year (especially since I have 2 brothers that race IMCA mod's). I can't say that I've seen the level of professionalism at many tracks that I have attended (I've attended races at multiple venues including the states of Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Minnesota, South Dakota, Kansas, Indiana, Ohio, Texas, Oklahoma, Florida) and a multitude of sanctioning bodies and car types (Sprints, Midgets, Silver Crown, IndyCar, Nascar Cup, ARCA, USAC).



This answer pretty much sums it up. Nothing beats Knoxville's crew. As soon as trouble hits on the race track they are out there to help and know what their job is and what tools they are going to need. Simply phenomenal, I wish every track had a safety crew like Knoxville's.


Ask Frank


raced24
July 09, 2012 at 04:25:28 PM
Joined: 12/07/2004
Posts: 330
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Reply to:
Posted By: ColtanW on July 09 2012 at 03:40:32 PM

This answer pretty much sums it up. Nothing beats Knoxville's crew. As soon as trouble hits on the race track they are out there to help and know what their job is and what tools they are going to need. Simply phenomenal, I wish every track had a safety crew like Knoxville's.



I would say that Knoxville and Eagle Raceways safety crews are neck and neck as the best in the business. Both tracks crews are on top of wrecks almost before they are over. They both take great pride in their performance.

 



dirtdevil
July 09, 2012 at 04:52:07 PM
Joined: 09/30/2005
Posts: 1387
Reply

I wish Knoxvilles safety crew would produce a educational tool, (yes a monotone CD) that would introduce newcomers/ part timers ect to the ins and outs of sprintcars ,extraction of drivers,calming nervs of drivers,fire,spinal injury,ect ect, just the safety items used today, some EMT's have no idea how they are suited to work or release, this is a very specific motorsport and how it is handeled correctly, from pushoff, to pit safety,to stopping cars, its just not the same as door cars , Knoxvilles Crew was a sight for soar eyes (litterally) after my incident, I learned alot about thier professionalism, and would put my a$$ in thier hands anyday of the week. I am extreemly happy they take pride in thier nightly routine, during a night "they wait" for the bad to happen and react correctly when moments feel like a lifetime, sometimes, putting your a$$ in gods hands just isnt enuff, I race more times than i care to admit with less than par safety crew thier just not aware how bad this sport can be, and dont know how to react quickley and correctly, Knox crew is covering a 1/2 mile track, thats a huge distance to cover, Husets crew seems prepared and take advantage of the lil bullring spot on, I just cant say enuff good things about the Knoxville safety crew, they definetly have thier sh*t together!



brenterl
July 09, 2012 at 05:58:02 PM
Joined: 01/05/2007
Posts: 190
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The Knoxville safety crew is the standard other tracks should strive for...They are OUTSTANDING...The Eldora safety crew is top notch as well with Stewart raising the bar since he took over...




grovemedic2
July 09, 2012 at 11:13:52 PM
Joined: 08/08/2008
Posts: 15
Reply

dirtdevil have you talked to Larry or Jamie ball? Vande77 said they were at his shop have you tried to contact them to see what they are doing? Maybe one of them could tell you or take a picture or 2.

I have seen the crew in action myself, I watched them extricate Jeff Shepard one year, and I tell you what that was something to watch. I watched and never did hear any yelling or anything it was one guy in charge if I recall his first name was Doug, and I believe the guy cutting the car name was Austin not sure of last names but I think between the turn 3 and 4 corner guys along with the guys on the backstretch they could come out of any situation with someone in the stands saying how did they do that?

I'm just a little surprised that more drivers or crew members aren't having their input on this conversation, maybe you get enough people asking Knoxville can put a cd out but i'm not sure it would happen.

Who was it that pulled the driver out? Was it a small fire or large I didn't hear about this.



Yardsale
July 09, 2012 at 11:38:45 PM
Joined: 08/27/2011
Posts: 111
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Knoxville is #1 Husets #2 Eagle #3 jmo

harriet_othelo
July 09, 2012 at 11:45:22 PM
Joined: 05/27/2007
Posts: 207
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Reply to:
Posted By: grovemedic2 on July 09 2012 at 11:13:52 PM

dirtdevil have you talked to Larry or Jamie ball? Vande77 said they were at his shop have you tried to contact them to see what they are doing? Maybe one of them could tell you or take a picture or 2.

I have seen the crew in action myself, I watched them extricate Jeff Shepard one year, and I tell you what that was something to watch. I watched and never did hear any yelling or anything it was one guy in charge if I recall his first name was Doug, and I believe the guy cutting the car name was Austin not sure of last names but I think between the turn 3 and 4 corner guys along with the guys on the backstretch they could come out of any situation with someone in the stands saying how did they do that?

I'm just a little surprised that more drivers or crew members aren't having their input on this conversation, maybe you get enough people asking Knoxville can put a cd out but i'm not sure it would happen.

Who was it that pulled the driver out? Was it a small fire or large I didn't hear about this.



Here's the fire that is being referred to. Mike Houseman Jr. (driver being pulled out) isn't a small guy, either.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBC1WsGGEI4




mongooseman
July 09, 2012 at 11:47:57 PM
Joined: 02/25/2008
Posts: 116
Reply
This message was edited on July 09, 2012 at 11:49:37 PM by mongooseman

Not Lernerville Speedway

They have a horrible record and ironically tragedy struck again just this very weekend. Car wrecked bad and caught fire, took forever for any safety crew to get to the accident scene. Then when the firemen did get to the scene they didn't have gloves on?!?!?!?!

Now I'm not going to bash them like many have been the last few days but what concerns me the most is that the safety crew thinks they did the best job possible and have no need to strive/learn to get better......... again I'm not bashing BUT THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT WITH SAFETY!!!!!!! It's a never ending effort to learn and get better, but I guess not at Lernerville....



jholz2002
July 09, 2012 at 11:54:23 PM
Joined: 12/02/2004
Posts: 704
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Reply to:
Posted By: harriet_othelo on July 09 2012 at 11:45:22 PM

Here's the fire that is being referred to. Mike Houseman Jr. (driver being pulled out) isn't a small guy, either.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBC1WsGGEI4



That video says it all. 20 seconds is all it took for them to have the fire out and driver out of the car from the time the car quit moving and flamed up. Simply amazing!!!



dirtdevil
July 10, 2012 at 01:16:00 AM
Joined: 09/30/2005
Posts: 1387
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: grovemedic2 on July 09 2012 at 11:13:52 PM

dirtdevil have you talked to Larry or Jamie ball? Vande77 said they were at his shop have you tried to contact them to see what they are doing? Maybe one of them could tell you or take a picture or 2.

I have seen the crew in action myself, I watched them extricate Jeff Shepard one year, and I tell you what that was something to watch. I watched and never did hear any yelling or anything it was one guy in charge if I recall his first name was Doug, and I believe the guy cutting the car name was Austin not sure of last names but I think between the turn 3 and 4 corner guys along with the guys on the backstretch they could come out of any situation with someone in the stands saying how did they do that?

I'm just a little surprised that more drivers or crew members aren't having their input on this conversation, maybe you get enough people asking Knoxville can put a cd out but i'm not sure it would happen.

Who was it that pulled the driver out? Was it a small fire or large I didn't hear about this.



I race and reside quite some distance from Knox so im less of a familiar face there, However, I pay quick attention to thier plan of attack on a incident when I am there , or when routinely watching on Knox live, As Vande77 stated , To set aside the time during the week to observ Jamie Ball car, its build and thier struggles of extraction ect with broken items in place what have you, is simply a obsession these guys and gals have, thier still looking to see what they can do better? , (I mean how can that be wrong! excellent! ) Knox drivers are sooo lucky to have this team, Most wrecks in Knox are pretty nasty, When i took my tumble there (been a while now) I was gasping for breath I had the air knocked out of me , I couldnt speek, someone was scratching the back of my neck and asking me if I could feel it,( im assuming her communication was open with the other member watching my eyes) I dont know her name but was I happy she knew what the hell she was doing, the other crew member staring me in the eyes waited for my responce looong before moving anything, and asked me if I was ok once, as soon asI got my breath back I replied, I wasnt asked 400 times over by everybody nearby that has a voice, that gets annoying but understandable , as a driver (at the moment) it gets annoying! and just who are you suppose to be confirming this status with? I mean everybody is asking the same thing ! Again, my hats off to Knox and any other crew that takes thier participation as a safety crew seriously .




dirtdevil
July 10, 2012 at 01:18:24 AM
Joined: 09/30/2005
Posts: 1387
Reply

Oe, almost forgot, Did Jamie Ball's chassis have the safety bars (elbow) area in place ? did I understand the bumper ect entered the cockpit?



Bet n Housen
MyWebsite
July 10, 2012 at 06:05:30 AM
Joined: 03/24/2011
Posts: 471
Reply
Concerning Knoxville making video or dvd on safety,one word comes to mind,liability,it will have to be for information only,filled with disclaimers to prevent someone using it as a standard by which all rescues are used,that certainly is not the case and may prevent them from making one,if it was made and given away,not sold and all the legal disclaimers in place I see no reason to not do it then,but to sell it is like selling band aids,the one person who gets infected will take you to court,absolutely not what Knoxville or racing needs ever,so wear your bed room slippers when doing these things,some people are just waiting to sue for no reason except,$$$$$$. I personally think a first aid crew or rescue crew needs to get schooled on extrication of fans who get hit by flying debris or even a car getting into the stands,look back at the mess the Indy cars got into in Texas and thats not over yet.I must say some of the best safety crew work I have ever seen,fires included,have been at micro midget and midget tracks.

LR
July 10, 2012 at 06:23:43 AM
Joined: 08/01/2009
Posts: 305
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Reply to:
Posted By: dirtdevil on July 10 2012 at 01:18:24 AM

Oe, almost forgot, Did Jamie Ball's chassis have the safety bars (elbow) area in place ? did I understand the bumper ect entered the cockpit?



It was hit in the right side in the puss panel area. I've always wondered why there isn't more protection in that area most chassis's it is a wide open area only covered by a thin sheet of fiberglass. A car I worked on in the early 2000's was a 98 maxim and had a mall horizontal bar on the right side and I've noticed cars getting away from that and wondering why? My guess was possible not letting the chassis flex right but could be completetly off.




darnall
July 10, 2012 at 10:33:19 AM
Joined: 09/02/2009
Posts: 454
Reply
I agree that Knoxville's guys are the gold standard, but I feel there are some guys in MO who need to be included.... the last several years the Winged Outlaw Warriors, now the ASCS Warrior region, carried a crew of guys who knew their stuff, worked their butts off, and laid it on the line time and time again for drivers in their series and any other open wheel series that may be running that night...I'm pretty sure many of these guys also worked Lake Ozark Speedway and XX Speedway in California, MO, because some of the uniforms and helmets were the same, and the quality of help at those 2 tracks always impressed me.... I really appreciated how these guys were on the clock all night, not just when their series was running. I also appreciated the fast response to cars that pulled in a and parked without a crash...somebody was always in my cockpit within seconds to make sure I wasn't having a medical issue or that a u joint hadn't exploded on me when my car quit and I parked.+ I always felt like I was in good hands when I pulled in and saw these crews in the house. To anybody who suits up for the purpose of helping a driver in need, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Loose is when you hit the wall with the rear of the
car, tight is when you hit the wall with the front of
the car. Horsepower is how fast you hit the wall and
torque is how far you move the wall.

zerorules
July 10, 2012 at 10:50:10 AM
Joined: 09/01/2011
Posts: 77
Reply
Reply to:
Posted By: dirtdevil on July 10 2012 at 01:18:24 AM

Oe, almost forgot, Did Jamie Ball's chassis have the safety bars (elbow) area in place ? did I understand the bumper ect entered the cockpit?



No it did not but they said they will have great choice Larry jaime & crew !!!!!

zerorules
July 10, 2012 at 11:03:01 AM
Joined: 09/01/2011
Posts: 77
Reply
I talked to Jamie sat. Night in the hall of fame he was not the to happy with them & knoxville er. He said it took 30 min. To find out he had a hole in his chest.


grovemedic2
July 10, 2012 at 11:09:54 AM
Joined: 08/08/2008
Posts: 15
Reply

As for a safety training video, as long as they don't say this is how you need to do it then they should be fine. When making a video if they ever would they would have to run down the lines of saying this is how we do it here at Knoxville, we have found this saves us time by doing this and doing that. But where do you start at making a video? Isn't there so many different situations that need to be covered.

I watched the video of the car on fire, how come one of the fire crew guys was wearing an orange suit? And did you see how many cars never stopped, and then I noticed they just ran on the track.

Scary to run on the track but if you watch you can see the driver inside moving around to no end and struggling to try and get out so I see why they ran on the track and I also seen the drivers bail to the inside once they were on the track.

I've been to tracks and I will say if you remember Daytona look at the fire crews feet, they had regular boots and shoes on and I have also been to tracks where the fire crew comes out of the wood work wearing shirts and jeans.

What kind of equipment does the Knoxville guys where and also from the MO area?

If you had to pick 2 things that you would want them to video tape what would you want to see?

I'm hoping The balls post pictures of these guys working on the car on here I am really interested in seeing what they are doing and how they are trying to make a change at their track. Interesting.

 



racingjim
July 10, 2012 at 11:40:05 AM
Joined: 07/10/2012
Posts: 2
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