Racing safety to be taken seriously

By James Bowler

Racing has become one of the most popular sports across the United States, Canada and many other countries, but with the thrill of the race there is always an ever-present danger.

Last Sunday, that danger became all too real for Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon, when he died in a pile up, racing at the Las Vegas Speedway.

This accident shocked many, including local racers.

“The feeling that you get just to know this has happened to another racer, it’s sickening,” said Caley Weese, a current racer.

Weese has been racing for nine years and is the only female late model racer in Ontario. She spends most of her summer either on the track or in her garage working on her cars.

Angela Rinaldi is the general manager at Brighton Speedway in Brighton and she explains that all safety precautions are followed and updated to ensure a safe race every time.

“We issue a standard rulebook with safety instructions at the beginning of every season,” said Rinaldi “and we encourage our drivers to do any and all additional research that they may require”.

Rinaldi said at the beginning of each year the technicians will inspect each vehicle both old and new to make sure they meet safety standards. As well technicians inspect the speedway to make sure everything is in working order.

Weese always makes sure that she follows the safety precautions necessary to protect her in case of an accident.

“Certainly safety is something to take very seriously,” said Weese. “We wear special safety suits that are fire retardant, as well as shoes and gloves.”

She said there is a special harness system that keeps a driver in place if the car rolls or flips.

Weese recently was in an accident that broke her thumb, tearing it from the knuckle.

Most of these injuries occur from the suit catching on the frame of the car or the steering wheel said late model driver, and Belleville business owner, Greg Belyea.

Belyea has been racing for 21 years and has raced in New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida. During his time racing he has had his fair share of injuries, from broken ribs to bumps and bruises.

Belyea has other factors that keep him conscious of his safety.

“I have a family to think about and a business to think about,” said Belyea.