The extensive injuries suffered by Winston Cup driver Jerry Nadeau in a crash at Richmond International Raceway this month have some of the series’ physically bigger drivers talking to NASCAR about escape hatches. Similar to the setup found in the roofs of NHRA Funny Car bodies, the hatch idea for NASCAR was proposed last summer by native Texan Bobby Labonte. #38-Elliott Sadler, who is 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, said the idea definitely has merit. “I would really like to see that come, being a big guy,” said Sadler, driver of the No. 38 Ford Taurus at Robert Yates Racing. “I cannot sit here and tell you that if my car hits driver-side and catches on fire, that I can get out of the right side. It’s an easy thing to do in the shop when there is no panic, but if there’s a fire or something going on, I think it would be hard to do that. I would really like to see the hatches be put in place.” Exiting a Cup car in duress has become increasingly difficult since NASCAR mandated use of the HANS Device.( Fort Worth Star Telegram )(5-15-2003)
