National Kart News article about Rich Vito

[Sheldon Potter]

@Gayle Vito wrote:

I… the editor of the magazine…does believe that changes could be made that would make an accident such as Rich’s less likely to happen in the future and that emergency contact procedures at race tracks should be implemented…

The 2001 Earnhardt tragedy at Daytona was given meaning by a subsequent discussion in the auto racing community of driver safety, which, as I understand it, in large part lead to the introduction of head and neck restraints and track “safer barriers”.

I don’t personally know Rich, but I’ve been thinking for some time about his accident in that light as well. Like the aspects of the Intimidator’s Daytona accident that resulted in his death, I’m sure most would agree Rich’s seems fairly unusual. Nonetheless, as we’re all painfully aware, it only has to happen once.

Being a relatively recent convert to the karting addiction, I don’t know much yet about karter safety issues that might be equally ripe for deeper consideration, nor, for that matter, what discussions have previously occurred.

Having vicariously “witnessed” (courtesy of Gayle’s postings at CaringBridge) the pain and suffering of Rich’s accident to himself and his family, it’s clear to me that even a “black swan” event such as this can have profound ramifications for more than just the racer; in my humble opinion that might very well be reason enough, perhaps, for such consideration in the karting community.

Thus I’m curious about the specifics of what he suggested on this topic, if you’d care to post them.

Thanks. And, FWIW, I continue to think about and hope for the best for Rich and his family.

Sheldon Potter

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