Championship Auto Racing Teams, where Andretti and Kanaan compete, the Indy Racing League and the National Hot Rod Association each have traveling safety teams. That won't happen soon. Helton also says that track safety personnel provide good care and know the local hospitals and medical personnel better than any safety officials there for a weekend only. Another element is the different requirements needed to license doctors in various states a series competes. With a local medical crew, that's never a problem.
Liability also is an issue.
I don't want some guy who doesn't know anything about these cars taking one of my drivers out. I want somebody who understands what happens when they crash and what are the things to look for. CART has had a safety team since 1984, and the series took over responsibility for the team in 1990. The unit includes 25 members, who are required to be full-time doctors, paramedics or firefighters. During the 20-race season, each person must work 10 races in North America and one race overseas.