Stewart Not to Wear Restraint UPDATE: #2-Tony Stewart has no intention of trying one (head and neck restraint device) anytime soon. There are currently two devices drivers can choose from: the HANS device, which is a similar to a set of shoulder pads but has been met with some resistance because of limited mobility; and the Hutchens device, which is a series of straps that hooks onto the helmet and was designed this year by an engineer with Richard Childress Racing (see my Safety page for links and info). Stewart doesn’t like the HANS device because he finds it uncomfortable and has too many questions about it. And he doesn’t like the Hutchens device because he thinks it hasn’t been tested enough. “I think there are pros and cons to both of them. We know how it will work in a forward impact, but we don’t know about a side impact or an angled impact,” Stewart said. “I just don’t think it’s the answer to all the problems and until I know more about it, I’m not going to use one.”(Daytona Beach Mews Journal/AP)(8-25-2001) UPDATE: Stewart will wear a Hutchens device during Talladega testing on Monday/Tuesday Aug 27-28th, to see how he likes it. Stewart said he is basically wearing it to quiet everyone. Stewart also said he was developing his own device but doesn’t feel it is ready(TNT Pre-Race Bristol Coverage)(8-25-2001)
