NASCAR is close to approving an air-purifying system for racecars to reduce the carbon-monoxide fumes to which drivers are exposed. Gary Nelson, NASCAR’s managing director for competition, said today [Thursday] that a new system, called a catalyst, could be installed in the passenger compartments of cars in time for the Coca-Cola 600 on May 25 here at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. NASCAR began studying carbon-monoxide exposure when Rick Mast, a longtime driver, stopped racing last year after learning he had chronic and acute carbon-monoxide poisoning, which causes headaches, nausea and dizziness. Nelson said some details must be worked out before the system was approved, but he said he wanted the catalysts available by the Coca-Cola 600. It is the only 600-mile race on the schedule and exposes drivers to carbon monoxide for a longer period. Even if the catalysts are available, Nascar officials will make them optional, not mandatory. NASCAR also will continue to test drivers’ carbon-monoxide levels before and after races. The tests are voluntary, with 5 to 10 drivers tested each race. Nelson said that he would not reveal the results of the tests until Nascar’s study is complete, but that carbon-monoxide levels found in drivers were not dangerously high.( New York Times may be to register to read)(5-16-2003)
