VIDEO: When the Safety Car... isn't
Safety car crash video: Click above to watch video after the jump
The main job of a safety car in racing is to slow the pace of the race during a crash or help bring cars to a stop in the event that debris needs to be removed from the track. The safety car is usually provided by an OEM sponsor that pays for the right to slap flashing lights on the hood, and in the case of last weekend's FIA WTTC race in Pau, France, the safety car was the Chevy Cruze. Unfortunately for BMW driver Franz Engstler, this Cruze wasn't exactly the safest safety car.
After a minor crash left another car stranded on the track, the Cruze safety car pulled out of the pits and veered far left just after getting out of the gates. Engstler's BMW 320si never had a chance, as the Cruze shot right into his path. The BMW's rear passenger tire was ripped off on impact, knocking Engstler out of the race completely. Coincidentally, with Engstler and his BMW out, Alain Menu took the top podium spot behind the wheel of a – you guessed it – Chevy Cruze. Follow the jump to see the action for yourself. Thanks to everyone for the tip!
[Source: YouTube]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
John Johnson 12:35PM (5/18/2009)
Isn't that the exact reason for the white line on the pit lane exit?
Reply
audi_arena 1:33PM (5/18/2009)
"Coincidentally, with Engstler and his BMW out, Alain Menu took the top podium spot behind the wheel of a – you guessed it – Chevy Cruze"
-Chevy: "An American Conspiracy"
Patrick 1:46PM (5/18/2009)
Shouldn't safety cars be somewhat fast?
Elmo 2:53PM (5/18/2009)
@Patrick
just because F1 and DTM have the SL63 AMG as a safety car, doesn't mean all series has a fast car for a safety car.
the car being fast wouldn't of prevented this considering he darted out into the racing line.
Lad 3:28PM (5/18/2009)
Looks like several things contributed to the incident: The blind entry point at the track, the entry Marshall who waved the safety car onto the track and the decision by the safety car driver to not stay in the merge lane. I don't blame the driver because it looked as if all the cars were still up to speed.
Metar 3:44PM (5/18/2009)
Only reason F1 needs a fast safety-car is to keep temperatures in the extreme tyres they're running.
Tdogg 3:52PM (5/18/2009)
Yea lets all rip on Chevy for the Cruze's door flying open. Sure the BMW's door flew open too AND it's wheel flew off but its ok cause its not American made...
vega.net 5:05PM (5/18/2009)
Clearly torque steer.
Taylor 5:09PM (5/18/2009)
While the safety car didn't need to pull out as quickly as he did, the driver of the BMW didn't do much to avoid him until the last second. Why was he going so fast under caution? Why didn't he brake and maneuver as soon as he saw the car? He's a race car driver, surely he has faster reflexes than that.
I would imagine that as soon as the safety car is on the road, he has the right of way.
Craig 8:05PM (5/18/2009)
Yellow flag was waving and the BMW had ample time to slow down before the impact.
Rafael Illan 12:39PM (5/18/2009)
well, at least we know the cruze is well built
Reply
henrykrinkle 12:44PM (5/18/2009)
The Cruze was hit on the front wheel and the door flew open. Not safe.
DayShifter 12:57PM (5/18/2009)
@henrykrinkle
Uh, there was more contact then the front wheel, and the BMW door also flew open....
Neil Schelly 1:30PM (5/18/2009)
The doors on a caged/stripped race car are often just body panels not functional in a crash, since the cage takes care of it. The door opening on the Cruze is unimaginably pathetic and dangerous.
-N
Rafael Illan 1:35PM (5/18/2009)
i rather have the door fly open than wait for the emergency crew bring the jaws to open the car.
Pips 2:32PM (5/18/2009)
minor crash and door open, unsafe! unsafe!
BigMcLargeHuge 3:10PM (5/18/2009)
The jaws of life are only necessary when the roof is crushed and emergency responders cannot get you out of the vehicle in any direction.
I'd rather have the door stay closed and protect me in the event of a secondary impact.
This door would be useless in a 2+ rollover, a spinning crash when the vehicle impacts 2+ barricades, a 2+ car impact, etc.
Basically, the door is structural and part of the safety cage until it is opened. This is not safe.
DayShifter 2:56PM (5/18/2009)
@pips
Yes, that's a minor crash.... [sarcasm]
Elmo 3:01PM (5/18/2009)
what you guys don't realize is that almost every car in the world has this type of fault.
when a car is hit like that in the front, it tends to flex the car to the point of the door unlatching itself and flying open.
also, the NHTSA doesn't require any crash tests that are related to this type of crash. at least i haven't seen any.
@Neil
the car travels at speeds well over 100mph and those doors are built to stay closed during those speeds. also, this is probably the first time i ever seen a door fly open like that in a crash. i've been watching road racing all my life, and not once have i seen a door fly open in this type of crash.
DayShifter 3:04PM (5/18/2009)
@Neil,
And by the way, that is a modified production vehicle, staging it as a race car does not involve removing doors and major frame structures to replace with body panels.