The 29th Annual Congress once again set recent conference attendance records as one of the largest two-day events in ICMS history. This was also the third year for the Race Track Safety Program (RTSP), which included a number of outstanding outdoor safety experiences. The first Scientific Session focused on additional safety procedures in open cockpit cars, the latest updates in circuit catch fencing for drivers, track workers and spectators, the development of accredited training for motorsport medics and race resource management and simulation. The afternoon session outlined recent research in driver physiology, discussions of concussion caused by improper design of driver compartment safety devices, safety updates from the world of power boat racing and an in-depth review of situational sensitivity and crisis management in motorsport.

Thursday’s program began with the very popular PRI Breakfast featuring superstar team owner Chip Ganassi interviewed by racing journalist Dave Despain. The opening lecture was the annual update from the FIA and AUTO+ Medical journal by Paul Trafford followed by FIA anti-doping case studies presented by Sandra Camargo the Head of Medical Affairs for the FIA. The Dan Marisi Memorial Lecture featuring IndyCar Safety Director Mike Yates reflecting on his distinguished career in motorsports safety and rescue. Scientific Session Four presented a panel discussion on oculomotor, vestibular, reaction time (OVRT) testing and David Ferguson and Julia Daly completed the afternoon program with lectures on the physical response to driving a race car and concussion considerations in returning to competitive driving, respectively.

Friday morning, the RTSP began with a motor coach ride to a motorsport and automotive equipment testing complex North of downtown Indianapolis where on arrival the speakers delivered updates on the transition from street medics to the track, new car technology on race tracks, hemorrhage control and airway management of an entrapped driver and the unique medical needs of stadium truck competitors. Lunch followed with our guest speaker featuring IndyCar’s Charlie Kimball discussing his management of diabetes as a racecar driver.  The Practical Training sessions in the afternoon included hands-on participation utilizing the most efficient equipment available today, rollover and extrication procedures and ‘live’ fire suppression practice with the latest materials and tools. Another highlight of the afternoon was the popular safety team demonstration delivered by the industry’s best motorsports response team personnel.