Steve Olvey knew that some day the open-wheel cars of Championship Auto Racing Teams would go faster than the body could endure. So, when a few drivers complained to CART's director of medical affairs about being disoriented and dizzy after several practice laps, Olvey had a hunch what was wrong. What he discovered led to the postponement of last month's CART race at Texas Motor Speedway for safety reasons. A medical director does more than treat injured drivers and coordinate care. Nearly as important is the person's research and ability to identify potential problems.
New technology makes the cars faster and sleeker, meaning harder, more dangerous impacts.
The faster a car goes, the safer it must be. Medical directors in CART and the Indy Racing League work with engineers to improve safety. Speedway Motorsports, Inc., which owns six tracks, including Lowe's Motor Speedway, recently hired a medical director. One of his duties includes safety research. That position has proved valuable in other racing series.