Schrader tests roof escape hatch

H

HardScrabble

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From a PR blurb quoted at Jayski's

Ken Schrader, driver of the #49 At&T Dodge for BAM Racing, Tested NASCAR's Experimental Escape Hatch [or as NASCAR calls it - Alternative Exit] Recently. NASCAR has made no announcements regarding it. Schrader's comment's: “NASCAR just called me up and asked if I would go over to the Tech Center there in Mooresville (N.C.) and try out the new escape hatch. To me it’s a wonderful improvement, looks fairly easy to implement, and it’s not complex. Personally I can’t see any draw backs . . .you know, makes perfect sense. It’s going to make a big difference, especially after an accident that ends with the driver’s side up against the wall. Now, you can’t get out of the driver’s side in that situation, because a lot of these walls are higher than the top of the car. With the escape hatch you can get out just as quickly as any other situation.. It’s also easier for emergency workers to get to the driver in that situation. You still have to unfasten all the safety equipment, so as far as it saving time in other situations, I’m not sure it will. However, now it’s impossible to get out with the wall right beside you - with the escape hatch you will be able to. I look for the thing to be implemented soon. Personally, I think it’s great.”
 
I hope that it is on the cars before to long! I think its a great idea! Just imagine if a driver side of a car gets pinned against the wall and a driver get injured before they make the hatch avaible! They need to do it NOW, if possible
 
Steady as ya go there folks........

Gotta wonder if they have crashed one of these yet.

Last think I saw on it, the hatch was installed on a center chassis section mock-up only. Until they test crash a car with one about 18 different ways to be sure it will still function, it ain't worth the steel it's made of.

While the chassis itself is pretty stable in the driver compartment area, the sheet metal of the roof ain't. If this hatch jams, flies open, or worse yet opens into the drivers seat during a crash it should not be considered. Personally com puter crash modeling of the design won't cut it, gotta tear up a few cars.
 
I was wondering the same thing, HS. Have they even crashed a car to test this yet? Most things can work in "theory", but when put to the test in a "real life" situation, does it's "theory" work??? Inquiring minds want to know! :p
 
Exactly what I was thinking HS. Could be more problems until further testing is done.
 
I can think of a few drivers that are crash test dummy's each week, why not select one of those guys :p Names withheld to protect the innocent.

Would this hatch work for Jimmy Spencer???? :lol:
 
Have Mike Helton test it. Then we know it will work. Of corse getting him in the car to test it might be a problem.
 
Originally posted by Tiny@Jul 16 2003, 01:00 PM
Have Mike Helton test it. Then we know it will work. Of corse getting him in the car to test it might be a problem.
Click to expand...
:eek: Tiny, you are on a roll today! That's great! :D
 
As much as I'd like to see this implemented, I would also want to see it tested thoroughly.

In a rollover, would it still be operable if needed? How would it be tethered to keep from blowing open, or even off, into traffic?
 
If the car starts to barrel roll down the front stretch at Daytona, will the hatch stay secure or will it come off and hurt someone? It's time to test,test,test, and retest to make sure it's safe.
 
I read elsewhere that the hatch (with a car attached to it) is scheduled to go to Nebraska next week for crash testing. Not stated, but I would assume that NASCAR is once again going to employ the expertise of Dr. Sicking and his crew.

If Dr. Sicking is involved I'm pretty confident the deal will be done right before he gives it his seal of approval.
 
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