Supercars Heat Crisis: Legend Greg Crick Urges Action for Driver Safety

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The recent incident at the Dunlop Sydney 500 race has brought to light the critical issue of heat-related health risks for supercar drivers. Greg Crick, a renowned Australian motorsport legend, has spoken out about the need for stricter protocols to protect drivers from dangerous heat exposure. Crick's personal experience with overheating during the 2014 Bathurst 12 Hour has left him with long-term health issues, underscoring the importance of implementing effective heat management systems in the sport.

Why it matters

Crick's message highlights the potential dangers that drivers face in extreme heat conditions, which often don't become apparent until it's too late. The cumulative impact of heat exposure over a driver's career can be significant, leading to long-term health problems. This incident serves as a wake-up call for the supercar racing industry to prioritize driver safety and well-being by adopting comprehensive heat protocols and investing in advanced cooling technologies.

The details

Crick emphasizes the importance of monitoring in-car cabin temperatures and implementing air conditioning systems to prevent overheating. He also suggests that race control should have the authority to pull drivers into the pits if their core temperatures become unsafe, similar to how cars are black-flagged for structural issues. The unique challenge of extreme heat in motorsport is that it often doesn't become apparent until it's too late, and Crick highlights the long-term effects of heat exposure, which can accumulate over a driver's career.

• The recent incident occurred at the Dunlop Sydney 500 race.
• Crick's personal experience with overheating happened during the 2014 Bathurst 12 Hour race.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.