PENDLETON, Ind. (January 22, 2004) -- The American Speed Association has mandated the use of the HatsOff emergency helmet removal system for all ASA National Tour competitors during the 2004 season. This is yet another example the major safety initiatives that ASA is implementing for the upcoming season.

The HatsOff system is a unique, low-tech solution to emergency helmet removal. It is a small air bladder, neatly folder in an accordion fashion, which is placed underneath the helmet liner (if removable, otherwise it fits over the lining and covered with the supplied crown pad). A small tube runs under the padding and fastens to the bottom of the helmet rim so that in the event of an incident, the rescue crews can fill the bladder. As the bladder expands, it gently pushes the helmet up off the head in just seconds without altering the vertebrae.

Racing helmets offer an extraordinary amount of protection in the event of an incident; however problems arise in the event that the helmet needs to be removed from an unconscious victim or one with cervical spine injuries. Often, in these cases, rescuers risk further injuries to the victim, but use of the HatsOff system should all but eliminate these concerns.

"Obviously, this is a product that we hope our rescue teams never have to use" said Scott Isaacs, ASA safety director. "However, ASA will take whatever steps we feel are necessary to help protect our drivers, and this is just another example of that. The HatsOff system is a very small price to pay for the potentially huge benefits it could reap by reducing the risk of spine injuries."

"As a small company, any new customer is good (for HatsOff), but having an organization as important as ASA is a great leap forward for us," said John Deagan, HatsOff technical representative. "I will work as closely as I can with everyone involved with track safety to get comfortable with the process. It is pretty simple stuff, but it can make a huge difference to any racer who needs maximum care in their risky calling."

The HatsOff system can be purchased for $20 directly from the company. This includes the bladder, instructions, crown pad, helmet sticker, Velcro and a template. Installation can be self-performed, or is offered by Deagan. For more information, call (847) 438- 7142 or visit www.hatsoff.info.

The American Speed Association is based in Pendleton, Ind., and has offered stock car racing programs since 1968, including the ASA National Tour, ASA Late Model Series and ASA Member Track programs. For additional information, visit asaracing.com.





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