Anatomy of a NASCAR Crash

Here is an interesting article we dug up from Popular Mechanics regarding NASCAR safety. Enjoy!

Popular Mechanics, March 2008: Anatomy of a NASCAR Crash

Brickyard 400 Winner Uses New Sliding Tethers from HANS

HANS Device Press Release Follows:

Atlanta, Georgia (August 7, 2008) - When Jimmie Johnson won the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway; he was using the latest innovation from HANS Performance Products. The HANS Device used by Johnson was equipped with the new Vision Advantage PLUS™ sliding tether system.

An option to the award-winning HANS Device, the sliding tethers have brought improvements in left and right visibility by allowing the full rotation of a racer's helmet while using the head and neck restraint. Among those employing the sliding tethers is Jimmie Jonson’s teammate, four-time Sprint Cup champion Jeff Gordon.
"We now have all the movement needed with our heads with all the safety features that the HANS Device offers," said Gordon, driver of the No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
Since the introduction earlier this year, the Vision Advantage PLUS sliding tether system has been accepted by NASCAR, NHRA and Formula 1, the leaders among sanctioning bodies worldwide.

Drivers at all levels of racing have embraced the sliding tethers with enthusiasm, including weekend warriors on short tracks and drag strips. "It's a dramatic difference, more than just an enhancement," said Gary Milgrom, the Chief Operating Officer for HANS Performance Products. "As soon as people try the sliding tether system they love it."

The sliding tethers can be easily upgraded on all existing HANS Device models in a few minutes with no more than a screwdriver.

"Our standard tether system is still an excellent solution," said Milgrom. "It allows significantly more head movement than any of our competitors. But racers always want more. As manufacturers, we always want more. Those wearing a HANS Device with the sliding tethers can now achieve 98 percent of the head movement available to a driver wearing just a helmet."

More than 60,000 racers worldwide use the HANS Device. Another innovative first from the inventors of the life-saving head and neck restraint, the Vision Advantage PLUS sliding tether system confirms the dedication and commitment by HANS Performance Products to affordable safety in all forms of racing.

More details on the HANS Sliding Tether System

HANS Press Release - Nascar Related

Just received a press release from Hans:

HANS ADVANCEMENTS APPROVED FOR NASCAR COMPETITION

Atlanta, Georgia (June 9, 2008) – HANS Performance Products announced today that NASCAR has approved the use of the new Vision Advantage PLUS™ sliding tether system and the HANS Device Sport Series.

The new Vision Advantage PLUS™ sliding tether system permits improvements in left and right visibility by allowing easy but controlled rotation of a racer’s helmet. The proven results are tethers that allow over four times the field of view of competing head and neck restraints.

The HANS Device Sport Series provides drivers with class leading performance at a value price. Starting at $595 for youth sizes, the Sport Series features a revolutionary carbon fiber composite combined with an innovative and proprietary molding process.

NASCAR did extensive testing to ensure their driver’s protection. Sales Director Howard Bennett said, “We’re very pleased that NASCAR approved the Vision Advantage Plus sliding tether and HANS Device Sport Series. We recognize they trust us to keep NASCAR participants secure.”

Introduced at the PRI show in December of 2007, the Vision Advantage Plus sliding tether and HANS Device Sport Series have been approved by the SFI Foundation and the FIA.