The need for speed is not lost upon drivers and racing spectators around the world. Race car drivers and their pit crews are already at a high risk for accidents during an event. However, the risks expand beyond the track itself, as there has been a steady increase in lawsuits filed by spectators injured due to flying foreign object debris from the track. The risks are real, but there is a solution to keep race tracks and pits free of potential hazards.

What Kind of Debris Clutter Raceway Tracks?

Cracks and loose grave are primary concerns and very real issues faced on any racetrack, and today’s innovative detection and cleaning systems like the FOD BOSS Track Sweeper can find those compromises and do so much more. Whether the pit crew is quickly doing essential work on the fly or the crowd gets out of hand and starts tossing goods onto the asphalt, getting them up quickly and efficiently is pertinent for safety. Just a few common racetrack hazards include:

• Tools, screws, nuts and bolts
• Small auto parts and shavings from rubbing in races
• Rags, towels and gloves
• Stray birds and wildlife
• Trash, cans, wrappers and concession refuse

All of these items pose a risk in races, and there are certainly quite a few bits of debris left behind post-competition that require efficient and quick removal.

Some Dangers of Debris Combined with Speed

Let us examine of few possible scenarios that are commonplace on raceways today that can fly out of control when the speed of rubber wheels encounter them. One such possibility exists in the pit crew, which is certainly one of the most high risk areas of any track.

Scenario: A pit tech makes a quick tire change, leaving the tools, nuts or screws from the exchanged part on the runway that is missed by a quick sweep up.

Potential Results: When the car rolls in again, these foreign object debris can fly from beneath the squealing tires rushing to halt the car and injure crew members or nearby spectators.

Scenario: Fans are in a state that incites them to toss their trash on the track during a race. Perhaps the wind is blowing hard and signs and hats are flying rampant, or maybe some other car has lost a part with sharp edges.

Potential Results: When hit at high speeds, they can not only injure watchers but pose a risk to other drivers on the track. Sharp objects can cause flat tires or slow flattening that leaves shredded rubber on the track.