Motor sport continues to feminize. This point in itself being good news, did not escape Dr. Terry Trammell *, a celebrated American physician heavily involved in the IndyCar series that until recently was a man’s sport. Today, no less than seven women are competing in the series. Dr. Trammell discovered that the traditional brassiere they wear could be very dangerous in case of fire. In Europe, a rally co-driver was badly burned by that reason alone. Michèle Mouton, president of the Women & Motor Sports Committee of the FIA, met with Dr. Trammel and encouraged him to solve this issue that had so far been ignored.
The American surgeon suggested to his friend, Stand 21 president Yves Morizot, to develop a fire retardant brassiere suitable for motor sport. Mr. Morizot immediately endorsed this suggestion and, in collaboration with Jenny Stewart, commissioner in charge of technical security at IndyCar, launched a feasibility study. After testing several prototypes, in both IndyCar and drag-racing series, the final product is now pending SFI approval for SFI-3.3 underwear certification in the United States and will soon be submitted to the FIA.
The Stand 21 fire-retardant brassiere is available in sizes S, M, L and XL and is priced at € 90.30 ex VAT.
For more information about the availability of this new product, consult your distributor or an exclusive Stand 21 store or visit www.stand21.com
Testimonials
Jenny Stewart, commissioner in charge of technical security in the IndyCar racing series: "The big issue is you had a sports bra or a normal bra that would have an underwire, and one of the biggest issues is heat transfer. It’s not necessarily the flames because they already have the triple-layer firesuit and Nomex underwear. A bra with any metal will conduct heat and the retail sports bras have elastic that can melt."
Sarah Fisher, team owner and former driver: "Girls in the sprint car, midget and formula car ranks need fire protection. […] The doctors don’t want you wearing cotton, but that’s only the choice you have for any support. It’s great that Stand 21 has taken the initiative to meet that need."
* Dr. Terry Trammel is a surgeon specializing in spinal injuries and has over thirty years experience. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, he is especially known for its involvement in motor racing accidents. At the forefront of surgical techniques and medical research, he is also an active member of the Stand 21 “Racing Goes Safer” foundation.
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