Paul Dana Passes away

[Sheila M]

Originally Posted by indycool

Just found something that would tend to disprove Miller's harsh comments regarding the accident.
This is a (warning) graphic video, but the last 15 seconds of it in slow motion clearly show that Dana hit two pieces of debris that kick off to the right and his front right tire start wobbling from THAT contact long before impact with Carpenter. It's likely he wasn't even able to steer at that point.

http://www.teamjuicyracing.com/vids/dana1.wmv

Yes, that video shows that it was a pure racing accident. With the wheel only just tethered to the car Dana would have had no steering whatsoever and would have been a passenger in a vehicle with no means of control.

[touringlegend]

The wheel still looks firmly attached but the front wing was destroyed by that debris. The car also lifted off the track on hitting the debris so I assume the car would be uncontrolable.


But viewing these videos has shown how lucky Ed Carpenter is to have been in that position and not a further 1 or 2m up the bank.

[Testure]

Originally Posted by indycool

Just found something that would tend to disprove Miller's harsh comments regarding the accident.
This is a (warning) graphic video, but the last 15 seconds of it in slow motion clearly show that Dana hit two pieces of debris that kick off to the right and his front right tire start wobbling from THAT contact long before impact with Carpenter. It's likely he wasn't even able to steer at that point.

http://www.teamjuicyracing.com/vids/dana1.wmv

I see him hitting a piece of debris a few metres in front of Carpenter's car, which damages his car and spins off to the right as you say. But that was 1-2 seconds before he actually made contact with Carpenter's car and we would expect him to have slowed by that point. Indeed, that was many, many seconds after Carpenter had had his accident, a lifetime in the world of the open-wheel oval racing. There are also some comments in the various articles reporting the accident from Scott Sharp and Buddy Lazier that Dana had been "virtually wide open" while those drivers had decelerated.

Perhaps he had a problem, perhaps he wasn't 100% clued-in about what was going on, but it's difficult to say much from looking at little video clips on the web. It will be interesting to hear the exact details about what happened, what information was relayed to Dana, etc. If lessons need to be learned, I think that the IRL will learn them. They don't have a choice, which is exactly as it should be.

[littleman]

Really very,very tragic indeed but an accident very unique to oval racing I would say.No other form of racing would normally throw a damaged car back onto the circuit where speeds seldom drop much below 200mph.In the modern electronics era of the 21st century, is it not possible to devise a system that automatically restricts a race cars throttle as soon as the yellow lights are thrown?

[curveball]

Originally Posted by Testure

I see him hitting a piece of debris a few metres in front of Carpenter's car, which damages his car and spins off to the right as you say. But that was 1-2 seconds before he actually made contact with Carpenter's car and we would expect him to have slowed by that point. Indeed, that was many, many seconds after Carpenter had had his accident, a lifetime in the world of the open-wheel oval racing. There are also some comments in the various articles reporting the accident from Scott Sharp and Buddy Lazier that Dana had been "virtually wide open" while those drivers had decelerated.

In fact, on that last video linked, I believe the in car camera action at the end was from Scott Sharp's car, and you can see Buddy Lazier right in front of him, along with Dana's car rocketing past Buddy's.

Another thing I noticed on the in car camera view, which is a bit disturbing, I didnt see the big yellow light which I believe is mandatory on Indycar's for when the track goes yellow. Being that this was a practice session, I wonder if the track actually went yellow or if the cars were signalled (isnt it automatic?) of the yellow condition. So many questions which will probably never be answered (at least publically). Sad day it was.

[BootsOntheSide]

As a more positive idea, how about some sort of lasting tribute to Paul? As he was so keen on using bio-ethanol, how about a Paul Dana Innovation Award for the highest-placed driver in the championship using an alternative fuel? This might encourage more entries of that nature and inspire developments in that field - which is ultimately vital for us all.

[Sheila M]

Originally Posted by BootsOntheSide

As a more positive idea, how about some sort of lasting tribute to Paul? As he was so keen on using bio-ethanol, how about a Paul Dana Innovation Award for the highest-placed driver in the championship using an alternative fuel? This might encourage more entries of that nature and inspire developments in that field - which is ultimately vital for us all.

What an absolutely brilliant idea - hopefully someone will take this up.

[Dutton]

IMHO, Boots, that is an immensely inspired idea.

[okeefe]

I won't be phoney and pretend I knew alot of this young man because I didn't, but even so my heart fell to the floor. I won't comment either on any forensic/scientific analyses or opinion and even reading same at this early stage I find a little too focused on horror. I will burn this racer a candle; and send my very best prayers for strength, faith and courage to all of those close to him.
I never saw any of his races, nor any articles about him but I was all set to watch him this year in Indy.
Perhaps someone could post some nice links that would direct me to some of Paul Dana's history. In that way, I could still see some of him this season, and this thread could also honour his life and accomplishments.

[JohnSSC]

I agree here with SR2 and a few others. The whatifs can be discussed later.

My condolences to his wife and immediate family, as well as his extended family at Rahal-Letterman Racing.

[drdisque]

All drivers use the same fuel, so an award for a driver using a specific fuel would be impossible (or simply end up being another bonus to the champion).

I believe you can't see the yellow wheel light because it is shielded from the top like a traffic light so that you can see it in the sunlight. If it wasn't, perhaps the sun glare could've contributed to him not seeing it.

[Snrub]

Bobby Rahal has said that the spotter communicated appropriately. Given that the lights on the dash exist, they obviously aren't obvious enough.

[mountainstar]

I'm quite sad about what happened. From what I understand Paul worked hard for the opportunity to race cars and it's tragic to have his dreams ended in such a way. My sympathies to his family and especially his wife, for whom this has to be a heartbreaker.

[drewdawg727]

Regardless if the yellow lights in his car weren't working, his spotter told him that there was an accident around the corner, yet he still was full speed coming out of that turn for some reason while most other cars had slowed down when they saw debris everywhere.

So far, there is no explanation as to why Dana was driving so fast, and the mystery/questions will probably continue for a while.

[indycool]

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dl...TS01/603280471

[paul-collins]

Are they talking about the debris seen in the video in your previous link, IC? 'cause if so, he hit that one less than a second before hitting Carpenter. (watch the in car camera, Dana's tires smoke briefly at the time of the impact with the debris)

I'd add my analysis to this, but there's no sense in piling on. I'll leave it to the series to figure out what lessons are to be learned at this point.

[indycool]

I believe they're talking about that debris, Paul.....

[okeefe]

Here's some info I came across about the LIFE of Paul Dana, that I've found, ironically some with respect to the Province in which I live today. I didn't follow his career, but I would have this year. I hope his family and friends can take a small bit of comfort in seeing that fans are interested in his accomplishments still today.

http://www.cooperseries.com/news/new...1975-2006.html

[Team Owner]

I'll post more information when I'm better composed.

[Bluewolf]

Such a trajedy -- I hope someday with safety technology that racing can become a deathless sport.

[Seoigh]

"The only REAL sports are Motor Racing, Mountain Climbing, and Bull Fighting; all the rest are just games"...Ernest Hemingway

...and we know 'Papa's' sentiment is still true today (add hang gliding?), because you can lose your life in any of the pursuits he mentioned...Paul Dana's death is most tragic, yes, but those on the edge are most 'alive' when nearest oblivion - sometimes the line gets blurred

[luke]

This was very sad news. The worst thing is that he had no control of the car and at those speeds, man...

[Knowlesy]

I think whether he had control or not, he would have had a hard time avoiding Carpenter....he hit the debris only 30 feet away.

[Down F0rce]

I'm not so sure...I think had he not his the debris, he would have side-swiped Carpenter and maybe not have had just injuries...But then again, I may be totally wrong.

[dusty]

better to live one day as lion than a life as a sheep. not an original quote but I think an apt one,