Managing Director of Competition Gary Nelson said NASCAR is making steady progress on dealing with carbon monoxide. The deadly gas, which is colorless, odorless and found in exhaust fumes, has left many drivers who have been exposed feeling nauseous. NASCAR ratcheted up its approach to the problem when Lexington, Va., native Rick Mast was forced to retire after being diagnosed with chronic carbon monoxide poisoning. Random testing of volunteer drivers to measure pre- and postrace levels of carbon monoxide has yielded nothing alarming throughout the year’s first four races, Nelson said. NASCAR crews and inspectors have been trained to be more vigilant in examining their cars for small cracks or improper seals that might allow carbon monoxide to seep into the cockpit. “We think we made the most progress talking to the crews and crew chiefs and training inspectors on what to look for,” Nelson said. “If they notice anything, they bring it to the crews’ attention. . . . We’ve made tremendous gains.” Engineers at NASCAR’s Research and Development Center in Concord, N.C., also are working on a catalyst system to filter air inside the car. “The efficiency of the catalyst is dependent on the speed that the air flows through it,” Nelson said. “If you have contaminated air and you run it through this catalyst too fast, the catalyst doesn’t do the job. You run it through too slow, it doesn’t do the job. We’re trying to optimize that, and we’re very encouraged that we’re seeing results.”( Richmond Times Dispatch )(3-16-2003)
