FIRE PRECAUTIONS Racing drivers to protest

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32778, 1 December 1971, Page 30

FIRE PRECAUTIONS Racing drivers to protest

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) LONDON. The world’s leading racing drivers will meet in London this week to demand improved fire precautions on tracks after allegations that Jo Siffert, of Switzerland, need not have died, Associated Press reported.

Siffert, aged 35, died in the blazing wreckage of his car five weeks ago at Britain’s Brands Hatch circuit.

A pathologist told an inquest last Friday that Siffert’s only injury from the crash was a broken leg. He added: “One can certainly say that if there had been no fire he would not have died.” As it was, no-one could get near him for five minutes. Track marshals testified at the inquest that two fire extinguishers failed to work and a third was ineffective.

One of them said that but for these failures he was certain Siffert could have been pulled clear within 20 seconds,

The seven-man inquest jury returned a verdict of

accidental death. They added: “We suggest better supervision of safety and fire precautions.”

Mr Louis Stanley, secretary of the Grand Prix Drivers Association, immediately called a meeting of his members to be held in London this week. USE OF HELICOPTERS He said he wants drivers to insist that every track should have six highspeed fire tenders capable of at least 100 rn.p.h. Emergency lights should be installed on every track to warn following drivers of fire hazards ahead. Another suggestion he put forward, is that each race should be watched from a fire-fighting helicopter. Tests have shown that a helicopter’s blades can fan flames away from a burning car, even into the wind, he said.