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Front Page
Ford Drivers to Be Maintained by Experts During Bathurst
Staff, Thursday September 27, 2001.
Page 1 of 1
Led by Ford's Corporate Manager of Health & Safety, and a trained physiologist, Kim Flanagan, the Ford Racing MediRace team will carefully monitor all of Ford's 26 drivers in the lead-up and during the race itself.
Drivers are set to endure cabin heat of well over 20 degrees above the ambient air temperature, while being fully clothed in triple-lined flame proof suits and helmets.
The hydration and oxygen levels will be the two elements that the MediRace team will be monitoring and maintaining.
With sponsorship from Mayne Health, the MediRace team will be using some of the latest sports science equipment in a quest to keep the drivers at full fitness during the 1000 kilometre test.
"There are over 20 sensors on the cars vital areas, but there is nothing on the most important area and that's the driver," said Flanagan.
"All the drivers are very fit, but like most athletes they to tend to think they can withstand fatigue - but that's simply not the case.
"The drivers need to be 100% while in the cars and they must maintain that same level throughout two or three driving periods.
"We therefore need to make sure they are fully hydrated and oxygenated when they jump back into the car.
"The final run to the flag is critical and we've seen in the past that a simple drop in concentration due to fatigue can cost the race".
It won't just be the drivers that the MediRace team will be monitoring, with crews also set to benefit from better techniques during pit stops.
Making time up in the pits will be a key area to success for teams at Bathurst, and the MediRace team has provided its expertise to this area as well.
"We have been working with the Ford Tickford Race team in the pit stop area for a few months now," said Flanagan.
"With our background in ergonomics and biomechanics we have offered ideas which the FTR crew may not have even considered - while they give us feedback on the practicalities of using those techniques.
"Winning at Bathurst is all about team work and having all the right elements in place.
"By combining the mechanical aspects with the physiological side of the equation, I have no doubt that all the Ford teams are set to see a marked improvement at Bathurst this year.
Like the Ford Racing teams, the MediRace team will be at Bathurst to start its work from Thursday morning when the first practice session begins.
The MediRace team includes Ford Health Services Manager John McGill, Ford Melbourne's Medical Officer Tim Hwang and Sydney based General Practitioner Frank Vella.
For further information contact:
Ben Beazley
Media Coordinator
Ford Racing
Phone: (03) 9533 4455
Mobile: 0417-262 753
Email: ben@segalmedia.com.au
Kim Flanagan
Corporate Manager - Health, Safety & Security
Ford Motor Company of Australia
Phone: (03) 9359 7898
Mobile: 0412-254 152
