NASCAR is touting the "safer" car of tomorrow a "pretty damn good success" at Bristol.But Brian Vickers burned his feet and his butt. Greg Biffle complained of an "unusual amount" of carbon monoxide in his system during testing. Denny Hamlin said the same after the race and added that the car was hotter than usual. Others experienced issues with the IMPAXX foam overheating, melting and producing toxic fumes.
So ... just how safe is the COT? Apparently, no one knows yet. Officials are scrambling to address a few issues.
I'm wondering why the issue of the foam's performance under intense heat is just coming up now.
The Dow Company claims consistent performance at temperature extremes. They certainly don't mention anything about it melting or producing toxic fumes.
But I spoke to a California Speedway emergency worker who told me that when they were briefed about the IMPAXX foam in February, officials were unable to answer very simple questions about the product.
Questions such as: What is the fire-rating? What is it made of? What will first responders be breathing if and when they are exposed to its fumes while putting out flames and assisting drivers exiting their wrecked cars?
These are questions that should have been answered way before now.
NASCAR is making vice president of competition Robin Pemberton and Nextel Cup series director John Darby available for a press conference to discuss solutions to these and other issues Friday morning.
They have some 'splaining to do.
These tragedies make me think I have it easier as a stock car racing fan. And I can't help but find myself grateful to NASCAR for stepping up their commitment to driver safety.
