Australian Superbike 2008 – RACESAFE back bigger and better in 08 with help of Suzuki Australia
In a major breakthrough for motorcycle racing safety, the Suzuki RACESAFE Medical Team unveiled Australia’s first motorsport mobile medical facility at Eastern Creek Raceway this morning.
Already Australia’s largest specialised motorsport safety service and the only organisation providing a full range of racetrack emergency services, RACESAFE will in 2008 further increase their resources.
A former Team Shift Motul Suzuki transporter has undergone major renovations to become an international-standard rider care facility, which will travel around the country.
“This represents a significant step forward in our efforts to maximise rider safety,” Simon Maas, RACESAFE’s Director of Emergency Services, said.
“We have looked closely at what is being done in Europe and the U.S.A. and used it as the blueprint for constructing our new mobile medical facility, which is the equivalent to any motorcycle medical program in the world.
“It will enable us to take a world-class level of resources and advanced life support equipment to every circuit we visit in Australia, and complements the many other developments in rider safety and treatment for 2008.
“We’re extremely proud of the final result and grateful for the support and dedication of our naming rights sponsor Suzuki, along with BOC Medical, 3M Health Care, Ferno, HYT and to Shepparton Motor Body Builders for donating their time and resources to make this project possible.”
The new facility includes a rider’s consultation and assessment area and command centre at the front of the truck, while the rear of the truck is an emergency resuscitation and stabilisation unit.
Another key benefit is a significant increase in room to treat riders, store and transport over $80,000 worth of equipment.
The new Suzuki RACESAFE mobile medical unit will be present at a range of two and four wheel events around the country, including the entire Australian Superbike Championship.
It will complement the Suzuki RACESAFE Medical Team’s existing resources and highly-specialised and experienced team of trauma doctors, paramedics, nurses, physiotherapists and rescue personnel who donate their time and expertise for rider safety.
“Over the course of a weekend, we can often treat around 100 riders in the sports medicine and emergency areas, ranging from the common cold right through to those involved in a serious accident,” Maas says.
“While we’d love to deal only with sports medicine issues, having the extra equipment and resources on-hand in an emergency situation at every event is a major breakthrough in Australian motorsport.”
Team Joe Rocket Suzuki rider Shawn Giles, Suzuki Australia Racing Coordinator Aaron Jones and Team Joe Rocket Suzuki Team Manager Phil Tainton were on hand for today’s launch.
“Again in 2008 Suzuki are immensely proud to support the SUZUKI RACESAFE Medical Team,” Jones said.
“The RACESAFE team of focused volunteers have shown an unparalleled level of attention and professionalism in the field of medical care to the Australian road racing fraternity.
“Across all areas of rider safety on and off track, Suzuki is committed to assisting these important programs.”
The new Suzuki RACESAFE medical unit’s first event will be round one of the Australian Superbike Championship at Sydney’s Eastern Creek Raceway this weekend.
