[D.Johns]

Racing is dangerous.....plain and simple. We all know the risks when we signed up.

This thread reminds me while in the stands watching Pro-mod at this years US Nationals. A bad accident occurred and the older woman sitting just in front of us with her husband freakin out and blaming it on the driver. "What's wrong with him!?!" "Why didn't he let out?!?" What a stupid stupid man!!".

It doesn't matter if your in Top-Fuel car or 15 sec Stock car. That is one of the reasons why many insurance companies ask you if you skydive, bungee jump, drag race/road race or participate in any other dangerous activities. Accidents will and do happen regardless of where and when. I'm sure most of us know this but put it in the back of our mind never giving it a 2nd thought. If we thought about it all the time none of us would strap ourselves in the seat every weekend.

I have a few friends that build and race these types(pro-mod, outlaw, drag radial, pro-5.0,etc) of cars. They take every precaution to make them safe. They are a handful to drive no doubt and they are very temperamental because they are pushing the boundaries. But to me(and many others) that's one of the things that make them exciting to watch is its a class that is pushing the envelope of man and machine.

I look back to earlier racing with memories of "when men were men". My grandfather never wore skinny jeans and got his nails done. Men of iron. Racing was dangerous and that was the draw. Safety equipment is continually being improved and it needs to be. We just have to remember that racing and other activities are considered by others to be dangerous on some level.

I'm 100% for safety and everyone making it home to there loved ones. All of us have a choice on wether to race or not and even what class we participate in. Not everyone would strap themselves into a race car or race motorcycles. That's one of things that set racers apart. Not long ago racers were considered suicidal thrill seeking outlaws. The term "Hot Rodder" was considered a negative term , the type of person you wouldn't want your daughter dating.