NASCAR updates concussion protocol procedures

NASCAR is expanding its concussion protocol program and will now require drivers to undergo additional screening for a potential head injury after they’ve been involved in an accident that requires them to take their car to the garage for repairs.

The revision applies to NASCAR’s three national divisions, the Monster Energy Cup Series, the Xfinity Series, and the Camping World Truck Series, and goes into effect immediately. All three series begin the 2017 season next weekend at Daytona International Speedway.

Previously, a driver was only required to report to the infield care center following an accident that disabled their car. That policy created situations where drivers could be involved in a jarring accident and not have to seek medical consultation because their car remained drivable.

Such a scenario occurred last year when Dale Earnhardt Jr. crashed at Michigan International Speedway in June, but did not have to undergo any evaluation as he drove the No. 88 Chevrolet to the garage. Days after the accident, Earnhardt began experiencing symptoms that he initially thought were sinus-related, only to discover three weeks later he had suffered a concussion, his third in four years. He would miss the entire second half of the 36-race Monster Energy Cup Series recovering before being medically cleared in December.

The new protocol includes:

-- A driver whose car sustains damage from an accident or contact of any kind and goes behind the pit wall or to the garage is required to visit the infield care center to be evaluated.

-- Infield care center physicians will incorporate the SCAT-3 diagnostic tool in screening for head injuries.

-- As part of NASCAR’s creation of a traveling safety team over the offseason, American Medical Response will provide on-site neurological consultative support at select NASCAR events during the 2017 season, and will work directly with NASCAR in the continued development of concussion protocol.

“NASCAR has worked very closely with the industry to ensure our concussion protocol reflects emerging best practices in this rapidly developing area of sports medicine,” said Jim Cassidy, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations. “We will continue to utilize relationships we’ve had for years with leaders in the neurological research field who helped to shape these updates.”

Defending Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin was among many drivers who voiced support for the new policy on Friday. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver is part of the nine-member driver’s council that worked closely with NASCAR on the framework for the guidelines laid out.

“It’s a step in the right direction, for sure,” Hamlin said. “They have to sometimes protect us from ourselves, but we also want to make sure we are racing on the track with people that are 100 percent. So, I’m all for that. I think it’s important that we keep safety first.”