Engineer at Richard Childress Racing develops alternative to HANS device

[Joe Fan]

An engineer at RCR has developed an alternative to the HANS device that many NASCAR drivers would like to wear but feel that they are too bulky, restrictive of their vision, etc. Read about it at: http://www.thatsracin.com/01/0225/0227aphans.htm

It seems to be a good idea but it needs testing in order to prove its worth. What do you all think?


[Edited by Joe Fan on 1st March 2001]

[enzo]

Alternative thinking is always welcome, But I'd think that they would want to sled & dummy test this contraption before releasing it for use. It may LOOK good, but in real life that many times means squat.

If you ever get to watch a video of the HANS working, you'll be made VERY aware why they designed it the way they did. The head HAS to be constrained from moving by using tethers that attach to the helmet at the center of gravity of the head, and those tethers HAVE to go straight back. Any variation from this and the head will be forced to rotate, the consequences of which will probably be a broken neck.

If I were a driver in the market for such a device, I'd insist on video proof via sled tests that the thing actually works. To do otherwise would be foolish at best.

NASCAR still needs to look closer at the car overall & mandate crush structures and a much better driver surround. They currently are still living in the '60's safetywise.

[KC]

I think it id great that the teams are giving the issue of safety a huge alottment of their time. Its too bad that NASCAR as a governing body doesn't see fit to do the same.