Thu, 14 Dec 2000, 08:58 AM Millican to use HANS device beginning in 2001

Courtesy of Bill Walters

DRUMMONDS, Tenn. -- Clay Millican, driver of the Peter Lehman-owned eAuto Top Fuel Dragster, will add an extra measure of safety to the cockpit of his 322-mph hot rod beginning in 2001. Millican will begin wearing the HANS device every time he travels down the quarter mile next year. The HANS device was invented by Robert Hubbard, PhD., Professor, College of Engineering at Michigan State University and is designed to reduce the chance of serious injury caused by the violent movement of the unrestrained head and helmet combination.

The patented biomechanical design utilizes a collar and yoke system constructed of carbon fiber and Kevlar. The device is worn on the upper body under the shoulder straps. It is connected to the helmet by two to three flexible tethers, which allow normal movement of the head but limit extreme head motions and neck loads.

After years of testing, which included sled crashes at Wayne State University and General Motors and use under actual race conditions, the Model-I HANS was first available in 1991. Today more than 300 are in active use worldwide with numerous reports of its effectiveness in real racing accidents. The HANS device will become mandatory for Formula One drivers in 2001 and CART has also recommended their drivers use the device.

"I think that it's a great idea," said Millican from the team's Tennessee shop. "If there is a way to add an extra bit of safety for the driver, I'm all for it. I was fitted for one at the NHRA Finals and it actually felt very comfortable. There are too many variables in racing to not take every available safety precaution."

Team owner Peter Lehman, who has recently taken an active roll concerning safety issues at IHRA events, hopes that Millican's use of the HANS device will encourage other drivers to follow suit. "There are obviously many components that are critical to overall race event safety, but with more than a decade of research proving the effectiveness of the HANS device, it is clear that this will be one of the next steps in building our team's safety program. I feel every team should take a serious look at using this piece of equipment."