Racecar driving, known for its physical demands, often sees breakthroughs in head protection and restraint systems for driver safety.
Like football or hockey, racecar driving has inherent risks, so research and protection are crucial for athletes’ well-being for tournaments.
Education and accessibility to driving ensures athletes at all levels can take to the road feeling safe and confident.
Cheryl Richardson, a member of the Gabriel Homes Board of Directors, leads high-performance driving education (HPDE) at Summit Point Motorsports Park in West Virginia. Education and racing, according to Cheryl, bring her back to her school days as a teacher and high school athlete.
Safety is critical on the tracks.
Cars must pass inspections, and drivers must wear helmets and fire protection suits. Some drivers add extra precautions like helmet harnesses so your head doesn’t fly forward or automatic sprinkler systems in case of fires. Staff use a flag system on the tracks, similar to NASCAR, to manage traffic and road incidents. Drivers who break the rules twice are asked to leave.
Because of the many bells and whistles needed to race...
... competitors can spend lots of money on gas, oil, brakes, and tires, among many maintenance costs. Then there’s the time investment. When the rubber hits the road, Cheryl competes at the Virginia International Raceway in Alton, over four hours away from her home. The track is one of Cheryl’s favorites to drive, but she also races on other tracks out of state like ones in Atlanta or New York.
“The Watkins Glen track in New York is gorgeous, but the margin of error on the road is narrow,” Cheryl says. “The walls are closed in and made of concrete, but I enjoy learning how I can master turning on new tracks. NASCAR did a series at Watkins Glen, so I had fun seeing how they drove compared to me.”
Just like Cheryl teaches safety on racetracks, Gabriel Homes also emphasizes safety for residents and staff. Residents use the buddy system and call the on-call number when they leave and return home. Gabriel Homes also teaches residents how to cook safely and be careful around heat, and residents also learn how to safely combine ingredients when they do their laundry.
Cheryl’s passion for driving mirrors the residents’ passion for independence. When she began teaching, she worked with students with disabilities. Her former students left lasting impressions on her. She learned about Gabriel Homes through a networking event and jumped at the chance to serve on the board. Whether she's on the racetrack or with the board, Cheryl dedicates herself to promoting safety and empowerment for everyone.