NASCAR Flagman wearing protective gear; Smart safety move or ridiculous overkill?

[u/jmhoneycutt8]

In 2015, NASCAR implemented new safety standards for all of its Race Officials. The new changes would require officials to wear full faced helmets and Nomex gear. The issue seems torn between flaggers of all disciplines. Some say it's a necessary change to protect the flagman and officials from flying debris, such as chunks of metal, fiberglass, rubber, or in this case, an airborne window. Many seasoned veteran flaggers say that it's a ridiculous knee-jerk reaction to please insurance companies, and it would restrict their abilities to properly flag, while others say that they would enjoy the added protection in case of extreme events such as this flagman almost being taken out by an out of control car.

So what do you guys think? Would you wear the added protection, given the opportunity?

[u/retrogamer6000x]

For ontrack officials, absolutely need protective gear. Flagmen should be good with shirt and hat, maybe safety glasses.

[u/oses]

We've discussed this before in the DET region and there really isn't a clear consensus.

I am of the opinion that corner marshals should be in at least 1 layer of nomex + wearing safety glasses. Personally, I've invested in welding gloves and nomex marshalling gloves.

My current list of things to buy includes the following:

• Fire-Retardant White Suit
• Perhaps replace above with an orange nomex suit
• Better Sturdier Backpack
• Gore-Tex/Waterproof all the things (Jacket, Bib, Hiking Boots)
• Better more-comfortable hearing protection (looking at these)

[u/HarringtonMAH11]

I would audibly show my displeasure with nascar for wearing an unnecessary firesuit. It would in my my d create more health issues as I am alextramly hot natured and would have a heat stroke in one. Helmets limit the disability and would make me feel inefficient. Basically let me do what I want, and I'll sign something saying my family can't hold you liable. If a car hits the flagstand at that pace I'm a goner anyway.

Also why don't photographers on the flagstand or at the fence wear them?

Definitely overkill