In doing research for upcoming CHRA info-sessions on safety in drag racing, I came across a video of the fall of ANDRA Top Bike racer Chris Matheson earlier this year. The reason for this piece is the fact that the new drag racing rules (FAC) require for 2014 a one piece leather suit (or those that zip closed), as explained by Mr. Clifton "Peppie" Hoyer on various occasions.Although it is natural for drag bike riders, or any other motor-sports participant, to believe that accidents will not happen to them, it is the obligation of the governing body to set the rules and the safety officials to enforce them, so as to try and ensure that even when accidents occur, the rider is able to walk away unhurt.
The video below illustrates for how long a rider may slide after taking a fall of his bike. Pay special attention to the smoke trails coming from his leathers.
The three-time ANDRA Top Bike Champion was fighting the bike all the way to the 1,000 ft mark, after which it settled down and continued gaining speed crossing the finish line at 229 mph. As soon as he released the throttle and sat up from his laid-out riding position, the wind grabbed his body and pulled his left hand free from the handlebars. This caused him to be pulled from the speeding bike and left tumbling side-over-side down the pavement. Note that he slid for quite a while down the track, enough for his suit to emit some trails of smoke. Now just imagine if Chris had been wearing one of those early style leather jacket and pant suits. Surely he would not have escaped with just a broken ankle.
Better to be safe then sorry, or in this case, be disqualified from a FAC sanctioned drag race event. Get measured and order your one piece suit today and see you at the track in 2014.
Thanks for reading.
Video/photo credit: ANDRA Drag Racing (via Youtube)
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