O’FALLON, MO (Apr. 5, 2010) — In order to continue to reduce the risk and help keep national events running efficiently, the American Drag Racing League (ADRL) is introducing a starting-line dress code for its race teams at all national events.
Beginning Apr. 23-24, at the ADRL Hardee’s Georgia Drags VI at South Georgia Motorsports Park, all ADRL crew members are strongly encouraged to wear matching collared shirts. These uniform shirts will become mandatory for all starting-line crew members May 21-22, at the ADRL U.S. Drags III at Virginia Motorsports Park.
“As the ADRL grows we want to recognize and address things to reduce the risk and make things more efficient for everyone involved,” ADRL Director of Security William Vandiver said.
“Just being able to more easily identify team members will help ADRL and track staff to keep the starting area free of congestion, which greatly reduces the chances of injury and allows drivers to move into position more quickly and keep the show on track.”
Procedures for obtaining restricted-area access remain unchanged, requiring a pre-race visit to the ADRL’s trackside Summit Membership Zone, where up to six crew members plus the driver or rider for each professional class entry will be permitted a non-transferable, restricted-area armband after signing the appropriate paperwork. Pro Jr. Dragster entries will be allowed restricted-area armbands for up to three uniformed team members, plus the driver.
Team members will have to leave the immediate starting area once their qualifying or elimination pass is over, but a nearby, restricted-access sponsor and team viewing zone will be provided at all ADRL venues.
The ADRL strongly suggests placing the official ADRL logo (minimum 3.5 inches wide), on the upper chest area (left or right) of all new team shirts. Though not mandated for 2010, wearing the ADRL logo will be required for all restricted-area crew members next year. The official ADRL logo may be obtained by e-mailing ADRL Director of Graphic Design Tommy Rogers at tommy@ADRL.us.
“We are sensitive to the cost involved in acquiring team uniforms, which is why we’ve chosen to delay requiring the ADRL logo until next season for any teams that are already outfitted for 2010,” ADRL Executive Vice President Jeff Fortune said. “There are many options out there for team shirts, but our recommendation is for teams to support their ADRL partners, including Impact Racing, Champion Systems, Simpson Racing and Stateline Motorsports Apparel.”
PHOTO: Crew shirts similar to those worn by Pete Berner’s Extreme Pro Stock team, winner of the Stateline Motorsports Apparel Best Appearing Crew award at the 2010 ADRL season opener last month in Houston, will become mandatory for all starting-line crew members May 21-22, at the ADRL U.S. Drags III at Virginia Motorsports Park.
