A safer approach to pit road

NASCAR is stepping up its safety apparel initiative starting this weekend's races at Pocono International Raceway and Texas Motor Speedway.  

A rash of fires and subsequent injuries on pit road — including an incident during the XFINITY Series race at Richmond International Raceway on April 24 which sent two crewmen from Richard Childress Racing to the hospital — resulted in NASCAR recommending and requiring certain alterations to uniforms for fuelers and athletes going over the wall. 

According to the bulletin under Section 21, as of June 4, 2015 crew members uniforms (one piece, recommended) must be SFI 3.2A/1 (SFI 3.2A/5 recommended) specified with the label displayed on the outside left sleeve. All shoes must be SFI 3.3. Helmets must be worn with chin straps fastened along with a head sock (SFI 3.3) that covers the nose and mouth. Gloves, socks and underwear — which must cover from neck to wrists to ankles — must all be SFI 3.3 specified. NASCAR will also allow underwear meeting the FIA 886-2000 specification.

The protective clothing for fuelers and fuel handles will include the above basic uniform requirements along with a full face helmet and a face shield for fuelers (FIA 8860-2004, FIA 8860-2010, Snell SA 2005, Snell SA 2010, Snell SAH 2010, SFI 31.1/2005). The bulletin added the “face shield must be fully closed when fueling the vehicle.” Fuelers are also required to where a fueler apron (SFI 52.1) NASCAR also recommends a helmet removal device and helmet skirt.

Most of the pit crews have already integrated the new apparel into their practice prior to this weekend's competition.

The XFINITY Series will follow suit next weekend when the tour resumes at Michigan International Speedway.