Whenever using a grinder or...
Whenever using a grinder or drill it is a good practice to wear eye protection. Photo by John Hill
Understand that you are accountable for your crew at the track. I always try to make sure our team has gloves and protective arm sleeves so that when the car comes in from practice we don't have to constantly provide first aid for burn wounds. The crew always needs to be wearing-at the very least-a pair of gloves while working on the car. Make sure with whatever your crew is doing that crewmembers are wearing the correct protective equipment. For example, you dirt drivers who will be grinding and siping your tires, make sure that the person grinding the tires is wearing protective eye wear. If you are going toB weld, it is vital that you wear a protective welding helmet.
The pit area should also never be considered a smoking area. Whether you choose to smoke or not is your own personal decision, but there are just too many things that could go wrong if someone is smoking in your pit area. I have watched someone undo the fuel line to change a fuel pump-all while holding a cigarette in his mouth. It is just a huge risk. one wrong flick and the time and money you have spent on your racecar are gone. And you could lose your life.
This car was just sitting...
This car was just sitting up in the air like this with no one around and without a jackstand underneath it. This is just asking for trouble. Photo by John Gibson
A lot of incidents that happen in the pit area could be easily avoided if everyone would just slow down while working on the car. one of the worst incidents we had last year wasn't on the track. Rather, it was while we were hooking up our truck and trailer and in a big hurry. One of our crewmembers ended up getting pinned between the truck bed and trailer. After a few very frightening minutes, we were able to free him. After being evaluated by the EMS crew, it was determined he was fine besides a few bruises and a very sore back. but it could have ended up with just the opposite results with much more serious injuries or even death. It was a huge wakeup call for my team and me.
This same principle can be applied when at the track. When you are in a hurry, make an effort to simply slow down and get all the work done on the car correctly. Most track officials will work with you to make sure that you get back on the track if it is reasonable to do so. This is one reason why it is so important to have crewmembers who know what it should be like while at the racetrack. It is important to have a crew devoted to working in a safe manner. Having a crew that already has the knowledge of working on your racecar is a huge advantage not only for safety and organization but it can also be a determining factor on how well you are going to run.
While at the track this year, make safety a priority and take the extra time that it requires to ensure the safety of you and your crew by making the pit area as safe as it possible.
First of all, notice the clutter,...
First of all, notice the clutter, but the main thing here is how close all of the fuel is to the generator and electrical equipment-a definite hazard. Photo by John Hill
This is a prime example of...
This is a prime example of how a pit area shouldn't look. It should make you feel good, though, that even Cup teams struggle with keeping their pit area clean. Photo by John Gibson
Ultimately your pit area needs...
Ultimately your pit area needs to be as safe as it possibly can be not only for you but also for your crew. You can help by providing gloves that are heat resistant and by making sure your work area is clean and organized. Photo by John Hill