- I know you folks are used to me making radical challenges with a less-than-friendly theme. Today, however, I am proposing a challenge that would make everyone a winner.
Let's create a not-for-profit organization, which I will tenatively refer to as F.A.I.R. ... Fans Against Injured Racers. (I'm sure we can come up with a better name, but I don't see the name as being important at this point in time).
If we could get 1 out of 10 fans to donate $1 per week, surely we could afford to buy one or two HANS systems per week. We could then sell the units to teams on a payment schedule, or even donate them to teams who are severely strapped for cash.
In effect, we would become the creditor, and assume all risks if a team were to default on payments. The payment schedules could vary in terms so that the HANS system would be available to anyone who needs it.
There's probably a hidden benefit within this, because the manufacturer would almost have to sell these units at a reduced rate to the non-profit organization ... which would also help to increase the number of teams that could get one.
I'm sure there are companies who would contribute to get a piece of sponsorship in the racing world, that they may not otherwise be able to afford. (This site, DTD, and my site are good examples of that. I don't think either of us could afford to field a modified as the primary sponsor, but we could surely kick in some extra cash and get a little publicity out of the deal).
There are countless variations of the idea that could be done, but the basic premise is that $1 apiece would add up quickly, and would expediate the process of getting a HANS system in every car.
Once our mission is accomplished, and all monies have been paid back, we could donate the proceeds to a general fund that would be available to help with any uncovered medical costs that a driver might incur from a racing injury.
Again ... no aspect of this idea is carved in stone. It's just a concept. I am sure there are people amongst us with more detailed knowledge about the intricacies of undertaking such a project than I have. The key is all of us working together to facilitate a change that benefits everyone in the dirt racing world.
So ... stand up and be counted. If you can help make this happen; if you have better ideas born of the same ideaology; or if you just want to help; this is the time and place to speak up and help to get the ball rolling.
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