Safety Count: by NASCAR’s count, 23 drivers were wearing the HANS (Head and Neck Support) before the start of the race. In addition, 10 drivers were wearing a second device designed by Bobby Hutchens, general manager of Richard Childress Racing. So that means 10 drivers in the 43-car field declined to wear any kind of restraint system. NASCAR doesn’t require drivers to use anything, but more and more of them are open to trying new restraint systems since Dale Earnhardt’s death. Hutchen’s device differs from the U-shaped HANS in that it’s only a series of belts that hook into a drivers helmet and existing seat belt system. The HANS is an actual piece that goes on over the shoulders and hooks onto the helmet(That’s Racin’/AP). More info on my Safety Page(7-8-2001)
