Sunday, February 25, 2001
Gordon not wearing HANS
ROCKINGHAM, NC. - The HANS (Head and Neck Support) system is designed to protect drivers from head and neck injuries, but many have found it too bulky and uncomfortable and still have too many questions about it to use it today.
“I don't feel like all of a sudden, just because of what happened this past weekend, I need to run with it,” said Jeff Gordon. “The HANS is the best device we have to date, but I'm not saying it's the best thing. I'm still testing it and trying to make it work, and I don't have it in my car at this time.”
Only six drivers used the U-shaped device in the Daytona 500. This week, 14 drivers had it at the track, and dozens others have ordered it. Ford Motor Co. ordered the device for all 17 of its Winston Cup cars but left it up to the drivers to decide if they wanted to use it.
Rusty Wallace got his right before arriving in Rockingham and was willing to try it in practice, but he doubted he would wear it in the race.
“I haven't had the time to set it up, so I probably won't wear it here, because I haven't had the time to get it fitted properly,” he said.
Mark Martin, another Ford driver, took one look at it and walked away.
“I won't wear one of those devices for anything,” he said. “I can tell just by looking at it I wouldn't wear it.”
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Gordon not wearing HANS