Who are we ...

The Desert Rat Pushtruck Safety Team members are dedicated individuals with a love of motorsports and are committed to safety in motorsports, who strive to do their best through communications, training, emergency response and teamwork to provide a safe motorsport event for drivers, crews, and spectators.  Our members have experience with dirt/asphalt oval, figure 8, demolition derby, and off-road short course tracks

The DRP Safety Team can provide vehicles to push Silver Crown, Sprint Cars, Midgets, Vintage Race Cars, and have the ability to push/pull a disabled race vehicle off the track.  Corner workers who communicate vital information to the drivers through a series of sharply contrasting flags.  We are also a comprehensive team that can provide fire suppression, driver rescue, and extrication in the event of an incident that requires it.  Our vehicles carry Fire Extinguishers (Dry Chemical and Pressurized Water with additive), key members are provided a 3-layer Fire Suit, and we have a set of Hurst Extrication Tools containing a Spreader, Ram, and Cutter. We also carry an assortment of tools to assist in most incidents.

We have assisted several tracks to include: Manzanita Speedway, Hollywood Hills Speedway, The Bull Ring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Canyon Speedway Park, USA Raceway, Speedworld Off Road Park, Arizona State Fair, Pinal County Fair, University of Phoenix Stadium, Mohave County Fairgrounds, and E.T. Motopark

Some key points to remember …

EMERGENCY RESPONSE
As the first people on the scene of an accident a quick and accurate assessment of the situation is critical. Bearing in mind that personal safety is the first consideration, emergency or quick response workers must determine the driver’s condition, fire hazard, danger to other drivers and the necessary course of action — then relay that information back to the race director.  Emergency response includes fire fighting, moving the race car to a safe location and assisting the driver out of the car, but does not include the provision of medical assistance. In the event of a serious crash, a medical team is dispatched to the scene

COMMUNICATIONS
Efficient communications are critical to the operation of a safe racing environment. Each truck or flag station around the track has at least one radio assigned to their team. Through the use of a two way radio system, incidents can be instantly reported to race control and other workers around the track. Safety is the primary concern. If the track is blocked or emergency assistance is required, this information must be relayed and the appropriate action taken as quickly as possible.

TRAINING
One of the most important activities of the club is to provide ongoing training for new and experienced members alike. A comprehensive training program introduces new workers to the many aspects of race track operation. This gives new members the opportunity to get involved in the specialty that most interests them. Specific training exercises for fire fighting, rescue, extrication and first aid, etc. are usually held in the spring of each year.  And as well, on any given day at the race track, an essential task of all members is the continuous training and counseling of our less experienced people.

TEAMWORK
DRP members are a team of committed individuals with a love of motorsports. At the track, each individual operates as an integrated unit, with flaggers, pushtrucks, fire/rescue workers and medical teams all depending on each other to get the job done safely. Off the track, camaraderie is the order of the day, and a family spirit prevails among the membership.  “Play safe and have fun” could well be our motto.