Racing Club News
Safety Study supports track improvements
An independent study conducted by a group of local doctors and medical professionals has shown how track changes made to the Castle Combe Circuit in 1999 have significantly reduced the risk of injury to racing drivers.
The objective of the study was to assess the pattern of injuries presented to the medical center at the circuit in two three-year periods before and after the track modifications were made.
The modifications were designed to slow the fastest sections of the track by installing new corners at Old Paddock and the exit of Tower corner.
Even prior to the track changes, the study showed how relatively safe the circuit had been. Between 1994 and 1996 only 3.4% of all car drivers racing at the circuit were presented to the medical center, whilst after the modifications, this figure dropped to 2.1%.
The study also shows how the numbers of cases regarded as moderate or major injuries has fallen. The doctors divided the cases into three groups, namely A for minor injuries such as minor neck strains, Group B for moderate injuries such as fractures which did not require hospital admission and Group C for major injuries which included all patients admitted to hospital. The results showed that B & C category cases fell from 43% to 29% and consequently the A cases increased from 57% to 71%.
The study concluded,” Chicanes have improved the safety of the racing circuit for car drivers, reducing the risk of injury.” The Circuit prides itself on having one of the best medical provisions of any in the UK, with a recently upgraded and expanded medical centre, two fully staffed rescue vehicles, a fast response medical car, four St John Ambulances and an average of eight doctors at any meeting. The complement of medical staff always includes an anaesthetist with further support from other specialists, most being advanced trauma life support instructors. A doctor and anaesthetist occupy the fast response car which follows each race on the first lap.
The doctors involved are Jerry Nolan, Andy Lim, Lisa Leonard, Tim Chesser and Sally Norton.
Further information can be obtained from L.Leonard, Royal United Hospital, Combe Park, Bath, BA1 3NG or email lisa.Leonard@virgin.net.