Emergency medical care for open wheel racing events at Indianapolis Raceway Park.

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To analyze open-wheel racing accidents at Indianapolis Raceway Park during six seasons (1988 through 1993) and describe factors that improve driver safety.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis.

SETTING

Indianapolis Raceway Park, a three-track racing facility that includes a 0.686-mile banked, paved, and lighted oval track.

PARTICIPANTS

Race drivers in three United States Auto Club racing divisions (Midget, Sprint, and Silver Crown).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

During 61 open-wheel racing events, 57 drivers were evaluated at Indianapolis Raceway Park after crashes. Eighteen were transferred to Methodist Hospital of Indiana; four drivers required admission two to the ICU. There were no driver deaths.

CONCLUSION

Although open-wheel racing is one of the most common forms of motorcar racing, there have been no previously published studies regarding injury patterns or medical care at these events. This study reviewed race driver injuries during six seasons of open-wheel racing at the Indianapolis Raceway Park. During 61 open-wheel racing events, no drivers were killed, but two required intensive care hospitalization.