In a message dated 2/27/01 2:16:12 AM Eastern Standard Time,
pat@prismacars.com writes:
> I also wonder if the sewn together loop could catch on the
> edge of the slot and rip itself apart. I will not be surprised if this
>
I always like to read what Pat Ryan has to write....he usually makes
sense...for a Southerner.
Here's my Mid-Atlantic viewpoint: Although it's early in the "cover
up".....it may appear that Dale Earhardt's left side lap belt was left to
rest on the floor after testing, qualifying, and racing (since being
installed in November). It's quite possible that the belt absorbed the
intense heat coming through the floor directly above the hot exhaust...which
caused the webbing material to degrade. Being a "Curious George type", I
took an old seat belt....and held it over the electric stove for about 10
minutes...guess what? It started to melt....the fibers turned brittle and
became hard like a piece of plastic.
I believe Bill Simpson: "Having tested and produced seat belts for more than
43 years, we have never seen a seat belt come- apart in the manner that
occurred....Our seat belts if properly installed, won't fail." Where was
the scrutineering...by NASCAR.. .by Earnhardt's crew...by the driver himself?
I now have less regard for NASCAR following the lame statements of Mike
Helton and Dr. Steve Bohannon with respect to what, why and how. Seems to
me that NASCAR needs to awaken from their aerodynamic entertainment mode and
impose some real safety rules for safety sake.
New Bumper sticker for 2001: NASCAR... Not A Safe CAR?
__________________________________________________
BTW: Add one more vintage race fatality on the east coast....1993 Pittsburgh
Vintage Grand Prix (VSCCA)*..David Kuhn, MGT driver, age 50....single car
crash....severe dehydration, disorientation. Like David Kuhn... Dale
Earnhardt's accident was also an unnecessary American tragedy.
* The VSCCA, is the only vintage racing club that still does not require any
medical examinations...or roll bars, or fuel cells, or arm restraints, or
even checks dates on the safety equipment...belts and sometimes helmets too.
Yet, their racing record is pretty safe. However, I am of the opinion that
what was acceptable 15 years ago was fine.....this is now. Sometimes this
kind of stuff scares the $#!T out of me...what about you?
Lee Raskin
Brooklandville, MD 21022
Arnotl-Bristol and 356ers
|