NASCAR Expands Concussion Protocol

Photo – Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images

NASCAR Expands Concussion Protocol

New features include consistent screening tool, additional neurological support

NASCAR announced on Friday updates to its concussion protocol for competitors, adding a consistent screening tool for all venues and increasing available neurological support for race event weekends through its new partnership with AMR

“NASCAR has worked very closely with the industry to ensure our concussion protocol reflects emerging best practices in this rapidly developing area of sports medicine,” said Jim Cassidy, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations. “We will continue to utilize relationships we’ve had for years with leaders in the neurological research field who helped to shape these updates.”

NASCAR’s protocol now includes:

  • As part of the new rule regarding damaged vehicles, a driver whose car sustains damage from an accident or contact of any kind and goes behind the pit wall or to the garage is required to visit the Infield Care Center to be evaluated.
  • The medical portion of NASCAR’s Event Standards now require that Infield Care Center physicians incorporate the SCAT-3 diagnostic tool in screening for head injuries.
  • AMR will provide on-site neurological consultative support at select NASCAR events during the 2017 season and will work directly with NASCAR in the continued development of concussion protocol.

The new protocol goes into effect immediately for all NASCAR national series.

Phoenix Construction Returns to Daytona with Dalton Sargeant

Photo – Courtesy of SM
This year’s Lucas Oil 200 from Daytona International Speedway will carry a long list of firsts for 2016 ARCA Racing Series Rookie of the Year Dalton Sargeant.  None more exciting than Phoenix Construction and Billy Ballew Motorsports’ return to the historic 2.5 mile superspeedway where they have each found victory lane before.  The race also marks the first time that 18-year old Sargeant will compete at the famed racetrack, as well as his debut with Cunningham Motorsports in the Chad Bryant led No. 77.

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Christopher Bell, Tanner Thorson and Raphaël Lessard Added to Venturini Motorsports’ ARCA Driver Roster

Photo – Courtesy VMS

Announced Monday, Venturini Motorsports (VMS) unveiled the addition of Christopher Bell, Tanner Thorson and Raphaël Lessard to the team’s 2017 ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards driver roster.

The trio of drivers will combine for seven races driving for Venturini Motorsports.

While drivers Christopher Bell and Tanner Thorson return to the team, 15-year old Raphaël Lessard is set to make his ARCA Series debut with VMS in Nashville. Continue reading →

Kaz Grala Making ARCA Debut at Daytona International Speedway

Photo – Courtesy of MMM

18-year-old Kaz Grala will pilot the No. 88 Kiklos Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil Chevrolet for Mason Mitchell Motorsports (MMM) this weekend in the 54th annual Lucas Oil Complete Engine Treatment 200 at the Daytona International Speedway (DIS). The start will mark his debut with the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards.

Kaz has raced at Daytona in the Rolex 24 hours as well as the NASCAR K&N Pro Series Battle at the Beach. Saturday will mark his first start on the 2.5 mile oval. Continue reading →