The Driver Suit Blog-An Example Of How Pit Crew Safety Has Evolved

By David G. Firestone

When it comes to pit road safety, any real protection is good protection. For quite some time, NASCAR’s helmet rule was quite open to interpretation. As a direct result, many teams and crew members opted to wear helmets which resembled bicycle helmets, as opposed to racing helmets. After a really bad fire on pit road at Richmond in 2015, NASCAR mandated that helmets had to be full-faced, in addition to other safety measures, which will help crew members in the event of a fire.

Dave Carroll is a former owner in the Xfinity Series. He had field teams from 1999 to 2003. This was at the tail end of the racing boom of the 1990’s. While he never won races, he had top 5’s and 10’s with drivers like Bobby Hamilton, Jr. and Ron Horniday Jr.. His last season was in 2003, racing the #23 Pontiac which was sponsored by Dr. Pepper.

One of Dave Carroll’s pit crew members wore this Simpson Dr. Pepper “Shorty” helmet, which can be seen in a picture from Motorsport.com. The helmet shows decent use, with a lot of scuff marks and scratches. Sadly, the first driver he chose to race in 2003 was Kevin Grubb. Grubb was a young driver from Mechanicsville, Virginia. Sadly, Grubb would not have a long career, as he failed a drug test in 2004. Then, after being reinstated, failed a second drug test in 2006, which he claimed he had no memory of taking, due to a concussion. He was finished on the NASCAR national scene after that. On May 6, 2009, Grubb took his own life in a hotel. It was a tragic end to what could have been a great career.

Now on to…

TAILGATING TIME!!!

With fall soon upon us, we would want something appropriate for the fall. In this case, I present:

Apple Crisp

6 Servings

Ingredients:

8 medium tart apples, peeled, cored, and cut into cubes

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1 cup raisins

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup flour

7 tablespoons butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1-Preheat oven to 350 degrees and butter a 2 quart casserole.

2-Mix apples, spices, lemon juice, walnuts, raisins, 1/2 cup sugar, and spread in baking dish. Dot with 1 tablespoon of the butter.

3-Combine remaining sugar with 6 tablespoons butter and flour in bowl.

4-Cut into mix until it resembles coarse meat.

5-Add vanilla and spread over apples.

6-Bake until top is lightly browned, about 55 minutes.

Next Week, an IndyCar pit crew suit.