Post-Crash Protocols in Racing: Experts Weigh In on Recovery, Cleanup, and Safety – Including EV & Hybrid Vehicles
In a compelling new episode of EPARTRADE's "Race Industry Now" technical webinar series, motorsports safety and logistics experts gathered to discuss a critical and often overlooked aspect of racing: what happens after a crash. Titled “Get Back to Racing! After the Crash: Cleanup, Recovery, Restoration & Impounds — Including EV & Hybrid Race Cars,” the session brought together top professionals to share best practices, technical considerations, and evolving challenges facing the industry.
Hosted by Brad Gillie of SiriusXM’s “Late Shift,” the panel featured John K. Evans, President of ESI Equipment, Roy Spielmann, President of Y3 Motorsports Safety Management / Consulting, and Marty Hunt, Consultant for Motorsports, Logistics & Technology.
Key Topics Covered:
1. Post-Crash Cleanup and Scene Management
John K. Evans emphasized the importance of structured incident response. From absorbing fluids to stabilizing wreckage, he explained how speed and precision are vital to getting cars back on track while ensuring personnel safety. The discussion included the role of modern cleanup tools and containment systems.
John K. Evans emphasized the importance of structured incident response. From absorbing fluids to stabilizing wreckage, he explained how speed and precision are vital to getting cars back on track while ensuring personnel safety. The discussion included the role of modern cleanup tools and containment systems.
2. Recovery Operations and Transport Logistics
Roy Spielmann, drawing from decades of on-track experience, discussed the coordinated efforts required to safely remove damaged vehicles and components. He outlined the complexities of working with insurance adjusters, impound protocols, and preserving potential evidence for post-crash analysis.
Roy Spielmann, drawing from decades of on-track experience, discussed the coordinated efforts required to safely remove damaged vehicles and components. He outlined the complexities of working with insurance adjusters, impound protocols, and preserving potential evidence for post-crash analysis.
3. The EV and Hybrid Paradigm
A major focus of the session was the increasing presence of electric and hybrid race cars. Marty Hunt provided insight into the unique safety considerations for EVs, including high-voltage containment, fire risk, and proper PPE protocols. He stressed the need for updated training for all trackside responders and race teams alike.
A major focus of the session was the increasing presence of electric and hybrid race cars. Marty Hunt provided insight into the unique safety considerations for EVs, including high-voltage containment, fire risk, and proper PPE protocols. He stressed the need for updated training for all trackside responders and race teams alike.
4. Restoration and Re-Entry Into Competition
The experts outlined how recovery goes beyond physical cleanup. Data acquisition, system resets, and safety verifications are part of the process. They also explored how collaboration between teams, track operators, and sanctioning bodies ensures fairness and compliance during restoration.
The experts outlined how recovery goes beyond physical cleanup. Data acquisition, system resets, and safety verifications are part of the process. They also explored how collaboration between teams, track operators, and sanctioning bodies ensures fairness and compliance during restoration.
Why It Matters
Modern racing—especially with the rise of EVs and advanced propulsion technologies—demands that teams and tracks evolve their post-crash procedures. This webinar served as both a technical guide and a wake-up call for the racing community to re-evaluate their recovery strategies.
For more information, watch the full webinar here.
