ON TRACK SAFETY PROGRESSES

At the PRI show this year, there were many more seat manufacturers that had head/helmet catching back extensions. There were also several alternatives to the HANS Device.

Overall, the efforts to prevent spinal column injury are impressive, as the creativity of the best minds in the automotive industry - the race products suppliers - are showing the results of years of development and research. This year, racers have the broadest selection ever of equipment to keep them raciing until they decide it's time to retire.

Kirkey, long known for aluminum formed seats with rib support, now have a series of seats with adjustable head and shoulder restraint panels.

Sparco's Circuit series of seats have built-in head protection.

The first competitor to the venerable HANS device is a lower priced unit from the same company called the Sport Series. At under $700, it brings spinal column safety to a new universe of racers.

The Huchens Hybrid is another newcomer, but is now the only alternative to the HANS device approved by NASCAR.

Racing is an inherently dangerous sport, but advances in safety equipment begin at the race track and filter out to the public. The safety developments created and mandated since Dale Earnhart's tragic death will save lives and mobility of generations of racers to come.