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UNIQUE Race Track Emergency/Fire Rescue Vehicle
by Marty Tyler-Staff Writer
12/03/2003
Safety in racing is always on the minds of those involved in this sport. After all, safety must come before the excitement. And while this sport will always be dangerous to some degree, the new technology available and the dedicated people with the foresight to approach the safety aspect of racing, offer hope for an even more exciting racing future for the drivers, owners and fans.
I recently learned of yet another quite unique part of racing safety. Have you ever wondered about the rescue safety crews or the vehicles? I certainly have. Especially, since on at least 2 occasions this past season, in the Cup series alone, emergency response to on track accidents was extremely slow, for various reasons. And while fault finding is not the point here, immediate emergency and fire rescue arrival and access to these drivers involved in accidents very much is the point.
Focusing our attention directly to the rescue vehicle and personnel, imagine that rescue fire vehicle being an actual Craftsman Truck race vehicle, modified, of course, and able to literally, if needed, race to the scene of an on track accident. This is just one of the ideas included in the Rapid Race Rescue design.
Dennis Mabry, spokesperson for Sparrowfoot Fire and Rescue, Inc. was kind enough to speak with me at length to discuss, in detail, this amazing fire rescue truck, it's origins and abilities.
Mabry, a member of a group of diehard race fans (of many types of racing) and long term friends were devastated by Dale Earnhardt's death during the Daytona 500 of 2001. And while Dale's death was not the reason they decided to see what they, personally, could do in this area, Dale's death was the catalyst they used to begin their project.
For the last eight years or so, they had all wondered what could be done to increase safety crew response times. Along those lines, these men, from various professional backgrounds, all had the single desire to bring about positive improvement in this area, while developing a state of the art rescue vehicle that would be quick, effective and pleasing to race track officials, the drivers, as well as the fans. Several designs were considered and then eliminated before the final design decision was made.
In researching response times at various kinds of tracks around the country, "We really started talking in depth about a vehicle that could run with a NASCAR vehicle," said Mabry, "that we could outfit with a fire fighting agent. There have been crashes on many race tracks that take on average, and we've actually timed these, from a minimum of 30 seconds up to 4 or 5 minutes. We know that all race car drivers wear a double layer Nomex suit. A Nomex suit is a fire retardant suit that is the only safety those men and women have in case of a fire in their vehicle. The Nomex suit will burn after 15 seconds, so, there is not much time to get out of a burning vehicle and infield crews don't have much time to get to the driver. They've got 15 seconds if the car happens to flame up."
"I have a drag racing background," continued Mabry, "and I know that I can cover a quarter of a mile in nine seconds in the car that I have. We thought if we built something that fast and had one in the four corners of the race track, there would be no reason we couldn't get to them in at least nine seconds at the max. We may be able to get there (even) faster."
"So, we wondered what would be the safest vehicle to be on a race track. We decided on a Craftsman Series race truck because they're tough. Those things go through some serious abuse. They're some of the toughest race vehicles we've ever seen. We decided to use that as our platform because of their reliability, stability and safety. Another reason is because it also has a bed area. It is a pickup, still, but it has a fiberglass body over a full roll cage."
They noticed, while considering this type of vehicle, that tanks could be fitted for the back. The first truck was purchased from an existing Craftsman Truck team from North Carolina. All of these men worked their regular jobs and would then work seven nights a week on this fire/rescue truck project. They set up shop in Ron Hastings', owner of Sparrowfoot Fire and Rescue, Incorporated, farm machinery shop. As can be imagined, many long hours went in to this labor of passion. Finally, after a year and a half of engineering and modifications, tanks were designed to their satisfaction and the truck was finished. They had a working, full race, fire truck.
Mabry, an ASE Certified Master Technician who holds a Master's Degree in Marketing, along with Hastings, consultant Joe Giesenhagen and several others have developed this unique approach to rapid arrival and emergency service for race tracks. This is actually a design and idea born of practical racing experience by members of the designers. In essence, made by racers for racers.
"The first thing that most people notice are the cutouts on the doors," explained Dennis. "We have practiced and the men (2 trained EMT firefighters to every vehicle) who man this truck are timed. They need to get their belt off and get out of the truck and have the hose in hand ready to get to the driver within 3 seconds of arrival. The reason they have to be out of the truck (and ready) in 3 seconds is because the driver has only got 15 seconds (before he can be burned). We give ourselves 9 seconds to get there (to the accident) to put out the fire before the driver is burned. That leaves 3 seconds."
"The (extinguishing) chemical we use, FireAide 2000, is very capable of putting out the fire in under 3 seconds. We didn't develop this chemical agent, but, I just wish we could have come up with that idea."
Several fire extinguishing chemicals were considered for use with Rapid Race Rescue. However, after witnessing a demonstration, Sparrowfoot Fire and Rescue staff were so impressed with FireAide 2000, that it was quickly selected. This demonstration was held in Georgia. An 8 foot by 2 1/2 foot flash pan was used which held 5 gallons of 112 octane racing fuel. The fuel was ignited and allowed to reach 2,800 degrees, at which point a path down the middle of the burning fuel was sprayed with the FireAide 2000. The demonstrator, in a full firesuit, dipped his hand into the chemical path and threw it back onto the fire. It would not reignite.
As an additional test, the Fire Race Rescue truck ran their own test where a fully engulfed passenger car, with a full cloth interior, was completely extinguished in a mere 18 seconds after arrival at the scene.
"Imagine you are a firefighter," Mabry commented, "and as you walk into a burning building, think about how important it would be to you to know that the fire you have put out, as you are entering, will not catch on fire again behind you."
Standard fire fighting chemicals work by depleting oxygen from the fire. If sprayed on a human being, it takes oxygen away from that individual, as well. FireAide 2000 changes the molecular structure of the floro hydrocarbons in the existing fire fuel, whether it is cloth, wood, racing fuel or whatever, thus eliminating the possibility of fire. That is why it is so effective.
This product is completely nontoxic to humans, either internally or externally, even if inhaled. Therefore, it can be sprayed directly onto the driver if needed. It is completely biodegradable and environmentally safe. Additionally, this product does not harm the car engine, like certain other products will.
"There's nothing better that we've ever seen," praised Mabry.
With a 600 plus horsepower power plant and fully tunable racing suspension, Rapid Race Rescue has become a very unique fire fighting race track vehicle. From the fire fighting cannon on the roof of the cab, to the two 50 foot reels, one on each side, this fire truck cannot only arrive at race speed, if needed, but can quickly and effectively put out any race car fire. The chemical tanks are easily refilled in minutes, so, Rapid Race Rescue will quickly be available to assist again when needed.
The first public appearance of this unique racing fire vehicle came on September 1st of this year at the Elko Speedway in Elko, Minnesota during the running of the Greased Lightening Orange Blest 400, televised on the Speed Channel. Well known Dick Trickle was one of the competitors and according to Mabry, Trickle was very impressed with the fire truck.
Among other events where this rapid response vehicle has received interest and rave reviews, was The Super Truck event on October 12th at I-70 Speedway in Odessa, Missouri. Rapid Race Rescue sped into action when NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Carl Edwards, a Missouri native and super truck competitor in this event, was involved in an accident. Reports say this emergency response vehicle responded several times and apparently raced passed other emergency vehicles which were also responding to the on track accidents. Edwards, incidentally, went on to win this race.
At this time, all expenses involved with the development, construction, crew training and travel are out of pocket for the members of this young innovative company. Sparrowfoot Fire and Rescue, Inc. hope to find funding for their efforts in the way of sponsorship, much like the teams their rapid response emergency vehicle attends to.
Currently there are 3 completed Rapid Race Rescue vehicles, one each of a Ford, Chevy and Dodge. Plans include a Toyota Tundra for 2004.
"The truck does look like a race vehicle all in all." Mabry explained. " It has the same bill boarding type of body that a NASCAR Craftsman Series Truck or any race vehicle would have. It's got plenty of room for sponsorship information on the hood, quarter panel and rear. It looks just like a Craftsman Series Truck except that it has cutout doors and a fire fighting nozzle on top."
"We believe that if the truck is at a race, it will definitely get television coverage. If the truck goes out and puts out a fire, it will definitely get television coverage. That's important to sponsors. That's what they're looking for...mass viewership."
"There is a lot of thought and a lot of love that went into that truck," said Mabry. "We think it will be good all around for the fans, the drivers and the racing organizations who may be interested in it."
All aspects of racing safety, it seems, are undergoing rejuvenation as technology and innovative people enter the various fields connected to this sport. After all, the future of racing can only exist if the present succeeds and survives. We all want our present and future drivers to benefit from that success, as they lead the way to that future.
For more information on Rapid Race Rescue please visit their website. Direct all inquiries to Dennis Mabry at [email protected] or call 580-585-2444.
And for more information on the amazing fire fighting agent, FireAide 2000, used by Sparrowfoot Fire and Rescue, Incorporated and for contact information please check out their website.
Interesting note:
Thursday, December 4th, the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show will begin at Indianapolis Convention Center and RCA Dome. The show will run through Saturday, December 6th. If you are planning on attending please be sure to look for the Rapid Race Rescue vehicle. Members of Sparrowfoot Fire and Rescue will be on hand with the vehicle in an effort to present it to a wide ranging public.
I've been informed there are new announcements coming soon, so be sure to check back with Catchfence.com for the latest.
Photos Courtesy of Sparrowfoot Fire and Rescue, Inc
UNIQUE Race Track Emergency/Fire Rescue Vehicle
by Marty Tyler-Staff Writer
12/03/2003
Safety in racing is always on the minds of those involved in this sport. After all, safety must come before the excitement. And while this sport will always be dangerous to some degree, the new technology available and the dedicated people with the foresight to approach the safety aspect of racing, offer hope for an even more exciting racing future for the drivers, owners and fans.
I recently learned of yet another quite unique part of racing safety. Have you ever wondered about the rescue safety crews or the vehicles? I certainly have. Especially, since on at least 2 occasions this past season, in the Cup series alone, emergency response to on track accidents was extremely slow, for various reasons. And while fault finding is not the point here, immediate emergency and fire rescue arrival and access to these drivers involved in accidents very much is the point.
Focusing our attention directly to the rescue vehicle and personnel, imagine that rescue fire vehicle being an actual Craftsman Truck race vehicle, modified, of course, and able to literally, if needed, race to the scene of an on track accident. This is just one of the ideas included in the Rapid Race Rescue design.
Dennis Mabry, spokesperson for Sparrowfoot Fire and Rescue, Inc. was kind enough to speak with me at length to discuss, in detail, this amazing fire rescue truck, it's origins and abilities.
Mabry, a member of a group of diehard race fans (of many types of racing) and long term friends were devastated by Dale Earnhardt's death during the Daytona 500 of 2001. And while Dale's death was not the reason they decided to see what they, personally, could do in this area, Dale's death was the catalyst they used to begin their project.
For the last eight years or so, they had all wondered what could be done to increase safety crew response times. Along those lines, these men, from various professional backgrounds, all had the single desire to bring about positive improvement in this area, while developing a state of the art rescue vehicle that would be quick, effective and pleasing to race track officials, the drivers, as well as the fans. Several designs were considered and then eliminated before the final design decision was made.
In researching response times at various kinds of tracks around the country, "We really started talking in depth about a vehicle that could run with a NASCAR vehicle," said Mabry, "that we could outfit with a fire fighting agent. There have been crashes on many race tracks that take on average, and we've actually timed these, from a minimum of 30 seconds up to 4 or 5 minutes. We know that all race car drivers wear a double layer Nomex suit. A Nomex suit is a fire retardant suit that is the only safety those men and women have in case of a fire in their vehicle. The Nomex suit will burn after 15 seconds, so, there is not much time to get out of a burning vehicle and infield crews don't have much time to get to the driver. They've got 15 seconds if the car happens to flame up."
"I have a drag racing background," continued Mabry, "and I know that I can cover a quarter of a mile in nine seconds in the car that I have. We thought if we built something that fast and had one in the four corners of the race track, there would be no reason we couldn't get to them in at least nine seconds at the max. We may be able to get there (even) faster."
"So, we wondered what would be the safest vehicle to be on a race track. We decided on a Craftsman Series race truck because they're tough. Those things go through some serious abuse. They're some of the toughest race vehicles we've ever seen. We decided to use that as our platform because of their reliability, stability and safety. Another reason is because it also has a bed area. It is a pickup, still, but it has a fiberglass body over a full roll cage."
They noticed, while considering this type of vehicle, that tanks could be fitted for the back. The first truck was purchased from an existing Craftsman Truck team from North Carolina. All of these men worked their regular jobs and would then work seven nights a week on this fire/rescue truck project. They set up shop in Ron Hastings', owner of Sparrowfoot Fire and Rescue, Incorporated, farm machinery shop. As can be imagined, many long hours went in to this labor of passion. Finally, after a year and a half of engineering and modifications, tanks were designed to their satisfaction and the truck was finished. They had a working, full race, fire truck.
Mabry, an ASE Certified Master Technician who holds a Master's Degree in Marketing, along with Hastings, consultant Joe Giesenhagen and several others have developed this unique approach to rapid arrival and emergency service for race tracks. This is actually a design and idea born of practical racing experience by members of the designers. In essence, made by racers for racers.
"The first thing that most people notice are the cutouts on the doors," explained Dennis. "We have practiced and the men (2 trained EMT firefighters to every vehicle) who man this truck are timed. They need to get their belt off and get out of the truck and have the hose in hand ready to get to the driver within 3 seconds of arrival. The reason they have to be out of the truck (and ready) in 3 seconds is because the driver has only got 15 seconds (before he can be burned). We give ourselves 9 seconds to get there (to the accident) to put out the fire before the driver is burned. That leaves 3 seconds."
"The (extinguishing) chemical we use, FireAide 2000, is very capable of putting out the fire in under 3 seconds. We didn't develop this chemical agent, but, I just wish we could have come up with that idea."
Several fire extinguishing chemicals were considered for use with Rapid Race Rescue. However, after witnessing a demonstration, Sparrowfoot Fire and Rescue staff were so impressed with FireAide 2000, that it was quickly selected. This demonstration was held in Georgia. An 8 foot by 2 1/2 foot flash pan was used which held 5 gallons of 112 octane racing fuel. The fuel was ignited and allowed to reach 2,800 degrees, at which point a path down the middle of the burning fuel was sprayed with the FireAide 2000. The demonstrator, in a full firesuit, dipped his hand into the chemical path and threw it back onto the fire. It would not reignite.
As an additional test, the Fire Race Rescue truck ran their own test where a fully engulfed passenger car, with a full cloth interior, was completely extinguished in a mere 18 seconds after arrival at the scene.
"Imagine you are a firefighter," Mabry commented, "and as you walk into a burning building, think about how important it would be to you to know that the fire you have put out, as you are entering, will not catch on fire again behind you."
Standard fire fighting chemicals work by depleting oxygen from the fire. If sprayed on a human being, it takes oxygen away from that individual, as well. FireAide 2000 changes the molecular structure of the floro hydrocarbons in the existing fire fuel, whether it is cloth, wood, racing fuel or whatever, thus eliminating the possibility of fire. That is why it is so effective.
This product is completely nontoxic to humans, either internally or externally, even if inhaled. Therefore, it can be sprayed directly onto the driver if needed. It is completely biodegradable and environmentally safe. Additionally, this product does not harm the car engine, like certain other products will.
"There's nothing better that we've ever seen," praised Mabry.
With a 600 plus horsepower power plant and fully tunable racing suspension, Rapid Race Rescue has become a very unique fire fighting race track vehicle. From the fire fighting cannon on the roof of the cab, to the two 50 foot reels, one on each side, this fire truck cannot only arrive at race speed, if needed, but can quickly and effectively put out any race car fire. The chemical tanks are easily refilled in minutes, so, Rapid Race Rescue will quickly be available to assist again when needed.
The first public appearance of this unique racing fire vehicle came on September 1st of this year at the Elko Speedway in Elko, Minnesota during the running of the Greased Lightening Orange Blest 400, televised on the Speed Channel. Well known Dick Trickle was one of the competitors and according to Mabry, Trickle was very impressed with the fire truck.
Among other events where this rapid response vehicle has received interest and rave reviews, was The Super Truck event on October 12th at I-70 Speedway in Odessa, Missouri. Rapid Race Rescue sped into action when NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Carl Edwards, a Missouri native and super truck competitor in this event, was involved in an accident. Reports say this emergency response vehicle responded several times and apparently raced passed other emergency vehicles which were also responding to the on track accidents. Edwards, incidentally, went on to win this race.
At this time, all expenses involved with the development, construction, crew training and travel are out of pocket for the members of this young innovative company. Sparrowfoot Fire and Rescue, Inc. hope to find funding for their efforts in the way of sponsorship, much like the teams their rapid response emergency vehicle attends to.
Currently there are 3 completed Rapid Race Rescue vehicles, one each of a Ford, Chevy and Dodge. Plans include a Toyota Tundra for 2004.
"The truck does look like a race vehicle all in all." Mabry explained. " It has the same bill boarding type of body that a NASCAR Craftsman Series Truck or any race vehicle would have. It's got plenty of room for sponsorship information on the hood, quarter panel and rear. It looks just like a Craftsman Series Truck except that it has cutout doors and a fire fighting nozzle on top."
"We believe that if the truck is at a race, it will definitely get television coverage. If the truck goes out and puts out a fire, it will definitely get television coverage. That's important to sponsors. That's what they're looking for...mass viewership."
"There is a lot of thought and a lot of love that went into that truck," said Mabry. "We think it will be good all around for the fans, the drivers and the racing organizations who may be interested in it."
All aspects of racing safety, it seems, are undergoing rejuvenation as technology and innovative people enter the various fields connected to this sport. After all, the future of racing can only exist if the present succeeds and survives. We all want our present and future drivers to benefit from that success, as they lead the way to that future.
For more information on Rapid Race Rescue please visit their website. Direct all inquiries to Dennis Mabry at [email protected] or call 580-585-2444.
And for more information on the amazing fire fighting agent, FireAide 2000, used by Sparrowfoot Fire and Rescue, Incorporated and for contact information please check out their website.
Interesting note:
Thursday, December 4th, the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show will begin at Indianapolis Convention Center and RCA Dome. The show will run through Saturday, December 6th. If you are planning on attending please be sure to look for the Rapid Race Rescue vehicle. Members of Sparrowfoot Fire and Rescue will be on hand with the vehicle in an effort to present it to a wide ranging public.
I've been informed there are new announcements coming soon, so be sure to check back with Catchfence.com for the latest.
Photos Courtesy of Sparrowfoot Fire and Rescue, Inc