Wow, lucky guy. I go back and forth on window nets, but he probably could've gotten out unscathed if not for that.
I wonder where the fuel was coming in from?
Wow, lucky guy. I go back and forth on window nets, but he probably could've gotten out unscathed if not for that.
I wonder where the fuel was coming in from?
FB guys said spec Miata, do spec miata guys run the stock tank in the stock location? There are fuel lines on top of the tank right under a pretty minimal metal cover. One of those popping off and a poorly fitted cover might be a culprit.
Do they not carry extinguishers/fire systems in SM?
irish44j wrote: Do they not carry extinguishers/fire systems in SM?
He was already bailing out before the fire even started, which is probably the best move he could have made with that amount of raw fuel all over the interior and also himself. By the time he could have grabbed an extinguisher he'd have been on fire. Most suppression systems focus on the engine compartment. You can tell he practiced his egress.
2nd interior fire I know of this year, one of the guys running in WRL had a really bad one. Same kinda situation except the WRL driver was still moving when it ignited and he didn't get out before it was engulfed.
Typical Spec Miata built-in fire suppression systems have 3 nozzles, one pointed at the fuel rail, one at the driver, and one at the fuel filler/gas tank area. I don't think they're required, but even if it had one, by the time the fire started he was most of the way out of the car -- better to just finish exiting than to stop and find/pull the extinguisher handle.
I guess he could have pulled it before the fire started, perhaps laying the foam down on top might have prevented it? I dunno.
I was kind of thinking more of pulling the exterior pull handle (assuming those are required as well) once he was out of the car.
Wow. You could see the liquid fuel spraying throughout the cabin when he was pulling off track. Luckily he started on the GTFO procedure before it caught.
irish44j wrote: I was kind of thinking more of pulling the exterior pull handle (assuming those are required as well) once he was out of the car.
There probably isn't an exterior pull handle, and even if there was, I wouldn't hang around near an unoccupied car that's on fire just to pull it. If everyone's out of danger then get away from it and let the professionals handle it.
After being showered in fuel going back to a car that is on fire is not that good an idea.
Article says the "fuel tank burst, showering him in petrol"
How does that happen?
SVreX wrote: Article says the "fuel tank burst, showering him in petrol" How does that happen?
Could have been a failed driveshaft whipping the tank? Would explain the source of ignition.
Horrifying. My safety gear is getting some upgrades before next season. I have a nice nomex suit but my bottom layer (long johns and undershirt) is still the proban stuff and I'm sure it's aged out at this point. (Seven years old or so.) I need new gloves and shoes too.
Everyone evaluate your safety gear. And practice your exits!!
A few years ago pro racer Charles Espenlaub faced a similar incident. Fortunately some preparation and quick thinking saved his skin. Afterward he shared the experience with us.
Charles is an old friend of mine, so this one was personal.
I read somewhere that it was a fuel pressure regulator that failed. Makes me wonder if someone didn't have the factory fuel tank cover in place?
In the video you hear something pop if you have the volume up. I'm assuming it was the line, still makes you wonder how all that fuel got in.
Also seems like he should have cut the car off much sooner, he did it right before he jumped out. Maybe something to practice since hindsight and all...
Petty of me, but anyone else impressed that the camera survived?
In reply to NOHOME:
That was one of my thoughts also.
accordionfolder wrote: In the video you hear something pop if you have the volume up. I'm assuming it was the line, still makes you wonder how all that fuel got in. Also seems like he should have cut the car off much sooner, he did it right before he jumped out. Maybe something to practice since hindsight and all...
Yeah, I'm thinking the fuel tank did not burst. Perhaps a pressurized fuel line popped loose? Did he have a fuel line running through the passenger compartment?
I am also wondering if the ignition source might have been static electricity from his suit as he was climbing out of the car.
Scary stuff.
NOHOME wrote: Petty of me, but anyone else impressed that the camera survived?
I don't think it's a petty thought at all. It's not only impressive that it survived, but good that it did. Having video from any kind of severe incident like that is useful. If it gives an indication of what led to the incident, it can be useful for reducing the risk of it occurring in future cars.
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