DP Pitlane Refueling Fires in ALMS.
09-10-2006, 11:02 AM
#1
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
DP Pitlane Refueling Fires in ALMS.
Is there a potential for fueling fires with Daytona Prototypes
that needs to be addressed?
I have not been able to watch much racing but I have the idea
that I have seen cockpit footage of at least three refueling
fires this season. Usually I haven't seen the initial footage,
just quick snips in replays. Evening/weekend updates.
I think it was last weekend I saw someone bail out of a car
where fire had burned long enough to begin to melt tubing from
a window-mounted NACA duct. It looked like a pitcrew was
spritzing water on the exterior from a tiny hose (seltzer bottle?)
I'll be the first to admit I don't have anything but a few glimpses
of footage, possibly out of context. I HAVE wondered about the
placement of the fuel nozzle inlets since viewing the first fire, though.
.
that needs to be addressed?
I have not been able to watch much racing but I have the idea
that I have seen cockpit footage of at least three refueling
fires this season. Usually I haven't seen the initial footage,
just quick snips in replays. Evening/weekend updates.
I think it was last weekend I saw someone bail out of a car
where fire had burned long enough to begin to melt tubing from
a window-mounted NACA duct. It looked like a pitcrew was
spritzing water on the exterior from a tiny hose (seltzer bottle?)
I'll be the first to admit I don't have anything but a few glimpses
of footage, possibly out of context. I HAVE wondered about the
placement of the fuel nozzle inlets since viewing the first fire, though.
.
09-10-2006, 01:50 PM
#3
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
Oops. You are fine, I am the one who is confused.
I believe I should have written Grand-Am instead of ALMS.
Thank you for the correction.
.
I believe I should have written Grand-Am instead of ALMS.
Thank you for the correction.
.
09-10-2006, 02:28 PM
#4
Racer
Member Since: May 2004
Location: Orlando FL
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Most often you see this when the car tries to leave with the fuel rig attached still. 
I believe if you asked the folks at the ACO and ALMS they'd tell you this is why an ALMS car must NOT be running when being fueled, and of course no mechanics can be working on any hot parts like wheels and brakes and such either while fuel is flowing.
It makes pit stops longer, but it does eliminate the drive-off problems that make for REALLY scary moments.
I believe if you asked the folks at the ACO and ALMS they'd tell you this is why an ALMS car must NOT be running when being fueled, and of course no mechanics can be working on any hot parts like wheels and brakes and such either while fuel is flowing.
It makes pit stops longer, but it does eliminate the drive-off problems that make for REALLY scary moments.
09-10-2006, 02:56 PM
#5
Le Mans Master
Thread Starter
I am sure that 'longer' is relative. Of course another issue might be
restarting afterward. But if it makes it safer, everyone will face
the same requirements & I'd be in favour.
The location of the inlets appears to be where spilled fuel has nothing
BUT hot bits to land on if it gets through seams and under the rear
deck. They appear to be mounted perpendicularly to the long axis
of the car, too, so that if the car does depart prematurely, there
might be more likelyhood of the nozzle(s) jamming than they would
if the inlets angled rearward.
I'm quite out of my depth here and really know little about the
situation. It is just that it alarms me to think of fuel spilling into
the cabin and possibly directly onto the driver. Even if it didn't
flare, it can't be pleasant physically or mentally for the driver to
feel or smell fuel.
To get back to the initial post - have there been more than a few
rare incidents with these cars? How do they stack up relative to
incidents with other cars?
.
restarting afterward. But if it makes it safer, everyone will face
the same requirements & I'd be in favour.
The location of the inlets appears to be where spilled fuel has nothing
BUT hot bits to land on if it gets through seams and under the rear
deck. They appear to be mounted perpendicularly to the long axis
of the car, too, so that if the car does depart prematurely, there
might be more likelyhood of the nozzle(s) jamming than they would
if the inlets angled rearward.
I'm quite out of my depth here and really know little about the
situation. It is just that it alarms me to think of fuel spilling into
the cabin and possibly directly onto the driver. Even if it didn't
flare, it can't be pleasant physically or mentally for the driver to
feel or smell fuel.
To get back to the initial post - have there been more than a few
rare incidents with these cars? How do they stack up relative to
incidents with other cars?
.
