FIREBALL RETURNS
Some people are able to go their entire racing carrier without a fire in their race car. I suffered my second fire this last weekend. Several years ago I had a major fuel fire while running a factory stock. I was nicknamed “FIREBALL FRAZIER” by several track announcers for some time after that. After this weekend I think that dreaded nickname may see a resurgence.
On Saturday night we were running in third at O’Reilly Raceway Park at Indianapolis in the Advance Racing Association Modified Feature Event when something just to the right of the drivers compartment caught on fire. The fire got so hot that the paint on the sheet metal burned off. The gauges and warning lights began melting as well. Fire also entered the cockpit for a moment before I was able to stop and get out. Having been in a fire before I thought that it would be best to continue driving while I unbuckled my belts, loosened my neck restraint, dropped the window net, turned the car off, and asked on the radio where the fire truck was located on the track. After hearing I had already passed the fire truck, I decided to drive to the start finish line because I knew there were fire extinguishers on pit road. I learned from my first fire that if you keep driving the smoke does not fill the cockpit as much and allows you to breath and see what your doing while taking equipment off, thus giving you a faster exit from the car when you do stop. The only problem I had was getting out of the car with my helmet still on. I had never practiced that so it took a little longer to get my head out the window. I would like to thank the people on pit road for helping to pull me out, although I do not remember who you are. Thanks to those who put the fire out as well. The damage was bad, but would have been much worse if there had not been a truck with a foam system on it.
For several years now I have worn a multi layer driving suit from Awsome Racewear. Under my driving suit I wear PXP Racewear’s fireproof underwear and a head sock. A Bell Racing helmet and set of gloves completes the package. On occasion I have watched other drivers give me funny looks when I start putting on all of my safety equipment, but I will tell you what, it saves your bacon. I walked away from a very hot fire with nothing more than warm skin. Not one burn on my body. My wife and 13 year old son were at the track and watched the fire from start to finish. If I had scoffed at safety equipment I would most likely have spent the following day, Fathers Day, with them in a hospital burn unit. If you’re a racer and do not use good safety equipment you are gambling with not only your life, but the lives of those close to you.
Because of the damage to the car we will not be able to make the June 26th race at Baer Field Speedway in Fort Wayne, Indiana. We hope to be able to make it there for the July 24th race once the car is repaired. Nate Frazier will be running several races with his Quarter Midget cars throughout July at the CQMA track in Lansing, Michigan. Check our full schedule at www.frazierracing.com.
See you at the races,
Dan Frazier #96
