Acute medical care for championship auto racing

Abstract

Auto racing is a diverse sport in terms of car design and sophistication, topography of race courses, speeds achieved, and driver experience. These factors relate directly to potential hazards of auto races and the approaches to safety utilized by the groups conducting these events. The evolution in recent years of technologically advanced racing machines capable of speeds exceeding 200 mph has mandated commensurate sophistication in acute medical care programs serving professional racing teams. A comprehensive team approach to the on-track evaluation and treatment of speed-sport-related trauma is described.