BRICKYARD 400: Fans urged to take precautions against high temperatures
Posted By Terry CallahanMotorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
August 3, 2001
INDIANAPOLIS, - Fans attending the Brickyard 400 and True Value IROC at Indy this weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are encouraged to take precautions to avoid heat illness, according to the Speedway's medical staff.
Temperatures are expected to reach 90 degrees throughout the weekend with a heat index possibly reaching 95-100 degrees.
"People need to be aware that the first sign of a heat illness is dizziness," said Dr. Henry Bock, medical director for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "If they begin to suffer from this, they need to seek shade immediately, and if the condition continues, seek medical attention."
According to the Speedway's medical staff, those at highest risk for heat illness (heat exhaustion and heat stroke) are:
- *The elderly
- *Persons with a history of heart failure, heart disease
- *Persons with a history of previous heat exhaustion
- *Persons who are overweight
- *Persons suffering from illness and fever
Fans are encouraged to take extra precautions this weekend due to the high heat that is expected. In order to prevent heat-related illnesses, fans are encouraged to:
- *Drink lots of water
- *Avoid drinking alcohol
- *Wear light-colored, cotton clothing
- *Wear a white hat
- *Seek shade when possible
"The most important thing for people to remember is to drink lots of water," Bock said. "People should not wait until they are thirsty, they should keep drinking water regardless."
In addition to the Clarian Emergency Center at the intersection of Fifth Street and Hulman Boulevard in the infield of the Speedway, there are 13 first-aid stations located around the Speedway, as well as numerous paramedics and certified emergency medical technicians on foot.
Text provided by Paul Kelly
Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot photos and racing art, please visit The Racing Image Galleries and The Visions of Speed Art Gallery .