As the Auto City Track Videographer, I am been bombarded by drivers calling or stopping over to the house to get a copy of the video of last week's (8-25-2007)racing, including the on-track coverage of John Turnbull driving his car up Bubba Whitney's car on the "cool down" lap.

Whitney could have lost an arm in this post race incident. If he had dropped the net, Turnbull's tire could have easily gotten into the car. One would think that everythings safe and done after a race. Well this footage proves otherwise. It's not safe anymore and every driver needs to re-think what can happen after a race. If some other driver is upset over what they did or you did during the race and plans to let you know about it on the cool down lap, then now your safety becomes a huge issue.

It is my firm believe that every track in the US needs to instititue a new safety rule after what happened. On what should have been a lap where everybody slowed down after taking the checkers almost turned into a tragic incident that could have changed the lives of alot of people.

After taking the checkers, most drivers drop their nets, maybe take off their helmet (those headed to Victory Lane) and may even put their arm out the window to wave to the winner or fellow competitor or just to try and get some fresh air. Based on this incident, maybe we need to have all tracks invoke the "Whitney Safety Rule":
-1) After a race is completed, do not drop your window net until you reach your pit or Victory Lane
-2) Do not remove your helmet while cars are still moving
-3) Do not extend your arms outside of the car after a race, for any reason.

I am sure there are other safety issues that could be included in this Whitney Rule, but the point I make to all my friends that are drivers, drivers I don't know yet and to all track owners, is that this incident of Turnbull driving into Bubba after the checkers just shows that you have to think SAFE all night long and don't assume the race is over when it's over. Drive to your pits or drive to Victory Lane with all your safety equipment still in place (helmet, net, arms inside). I don't ever want to see my friends or anyone in the racing industry hurt because of incidents like this. We all need to rethink safety after this incident.

For anyone that wants a copy of the DVD, see me at the track or call me to order one.
If you are a track owner, I'll give you one free and mail it for free if it helps insure the safety of your drivers!!!

Skip Konkle, JSK Motorsports
810-658-9808