O'FALLON, MO (January 26, 2011) – The American Drag Racing League (ADRL) is excited to announce the development of a new track safety program that includes a fully-customized, state-of-the-art safety truck, a full contingent of emergency equipment and the addition of two new safety technicians for the 2011 season.
Working closely with Ford, The Official Vehicle of the ADRL, the world's top eighth-mile drag racing league will innovatively utilize a new Ford F-150 two-wheel drive extended cab with a short bed (6-foot), all powered by the new award-wining EcoBoost engine, for use during the 2011 ADRL Tour, which begins March 25-26 at Royal Purple Raceway in Baytown, Texas.
The high-tech Ford truck will be equipped with a full array of track safety gear, ensuring that the ADRL will have the top and latest safety equipment available in order to provide the utmost security to the ADRL's drivers and teams.
It is also a continued sign of the growing and close partnership between the ADRL and Ford Racing, which is once again a top sponsor for the 2011 ADRL Tour.
"Safety is our top priority in the ADRL. This new safety program is another sign of our commitment to the drivers and our desire to provide them with the best environment to race," ADRL Executive Vice President Jeff Fortune said.
"With the assistance and support of Ford Racing and Tim McAmis Race Cars (TMRC), the ADRL is putting the finest equipment and most experienced personnel in position to make a significant difference in any emergency situation."
Two experienced and well-trained technicians, Denny Bahm and Doug Barnes, who both bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to the position, will also be officially named the two lead safety technicians for the ADRL Ford Safety Truck.
The duo is currently working at the Qatar Racing Club in Doha, Qatar as part of the Arabian Drag Racing League. Combined, the safety veterans have more than 35 years of experience as emergency medical technicians, firefighters, as well as a successful tenure in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA).
"Their knowledge and experience has already paid off in Qatar and we are thrilled to have them heading our safety team in the ADRL," Fortune said. "Their presence, along with the new state-of-the-art safety equipment will give our racers and teams even greater piece of mind during our thrilling national events."
The Ford F-150 boasts a new 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, offering best in it class towing capability and torque, along with outstanding fuel economy.
In addition to the Ford safety truck, a Hurst ML 50 extraction cutter and power unit for cutting the chassis during extraction has also been obtained for the 2011 season.
Among the featured equipment on the Ford safety truck will be six CO2 fire extinguishers. The fire system and reel will hold nearly 100 gallons of cold fire and water, and Tim McAmis Race Cars (TMRC) is building it with the help of the ADRL track prep and maintenance staff, Larry, Cale and Cody Crispe.
"We care deeply about the racers and want everyone to be confident that we are providing the safest possible environment for them to compete and enjoy our events," Fortune said.
