Safety Top Priorty for PMRA 

PMRA and Quick 32 Sportsman Series – well-equipped with safety apparatus and personnel if needed.

By:  Tim Miller

 
Drag racing offers some of the most exciting and colorful racing in all of motorsport, but safety is an important element and cannot be overlooked.
 
When the Pro Modified Racing Association and the Quick 32 Sportsman Series presented by NAPA Auto Parts stage an event, the fire and rescue safety crew is front and center throughout the racing in case of an emergency.
 
“Our squad works closely with the teams and supplement the venue’s emergency and safety crew where we participate to ensure that a proper safety and emergency plan is in place to the benefit of our teams and their families, the track, the series, the sponsors and our fans”, explained Bruce Mehlenbacher, Director of Operations. “The safety of our fans, drivers and crew members is a critical priority to the PMRA and Quick 32 Sportsman Series”. 
 
“The Pro Modified class is one of drag racing’s most exciting and volatile classes and safety is a key element to our sport,” said Jim Salemi of G-Force Race Cars. “The cars are constructed under strict technical and safety regulations provided by our sanctioning organizations. But to be a leader in our sport you need to run on the edge to be competitive and that can be dangerous. 
 
“These cars make hundreds of runs down the race track,” Salemi continued. “It only takes one time for something to go wrong and you can be in trouble fast.”
 
The PMRA and the Quick 32 Sportsman Series are pleased and thankful for the companies that play a leadership role in the Series’ Safety Initiative Program which helps to reduce the risk factors and increase safety awareness at its races.
 
Leaf Racewear and Safety Equipment Inc. provides the PMRA and Quick 32 Sportsman Series Fire and Rescue Safety team with two-piece fire suits, and these suits have the SFI specification rating of 3.2A/20. Suit material is set up in six categories from 3.2A/1 to the maximum 3.2A/20.
 
Leaf’s Colin Grandy explained that the suits are of the highest rating and custom-made for the individual wearer.
 
“These suits have the top rating,” he said. “The trick is to make them as safe as possible and provide comfort at the same time.
 
“This is important for these guys,” he continued. “They are the ones that have to get right in there in case of an emergency.”
 
Based in London, Ontario, Leaf Racewear has been supplying personal safety attire for the race industry for 26 years throughout North America.
 
Along with the fire-retardant suits, the PMRA and Quick 32 Sportsman Series Fire and Rescue Safety team wears fire-resistant gloves, boots, and helmets. These items, courtesy of G-Force Race Cars in Tonawanda, NY, are from Stroud Safety Apparel which offers a full line of safety apparel and accessories, along with drag racing parachutes.
 
The PMRA and Quick 32 Sportsman Series are also pleased to have the involvement of Jones Brown Motorsports in the Series’ Safety Initiative Program. Jones Brown Motorsports is the leader in motorsport insurance. Based in the US and Canada, for over 50 years, Jones Brown has provided the motorsport industry with a broad range of insurance coverage, products, and programs.
 
For more information contact Bruce F. Mehlenbacher at Bruce@PMRA.ca