Roll cage saves racer's life
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• Veteran truck racer Allan Hodge says a specially developed roll cage saved his life after his Iveco Ford Cargo hit a crash barrier at more than 100km/h during a race at Brands Hatch last Sunday.
The impact, during qualification for the Mobil Superprix final, was said to be the hardest ever seen in the sport. Allan Hodge, 56, is the father of used CV dealer and truck racer Chris Hodge. He walked away from the incident unharmed.
Hodge's truck, which was part-sponsored by Commercial Motor, clipped another truck on the straight, cartwheeled and hit the crash barrier. He paid credit to the design specifications of the roll cage, laid down by the sport's administrative body, the FIA. However, he added that the roll cage design on his vehicle went further than FIA regulations and was effectively an extension of the chassis. Seat harness design was also a key factor in his escape.
"You mustn't do the belts up yourself," he warned. "Get
someone else in the cab with you to tighten them fully. If not, you'll move and get hurt.' The race was won by Richard Walker in his Cat-powered Lucas Volvo White.