ARCA Safety Seminar attracts standing room only crowd..
TOLEDO OH (12-03-07)-"We should all be thankful that God is a race fan!"

So said keynote speaker Randy LaJoie at the sixth annual ARCA Safety Seminar at the Toledo Speedway Bar and Grille Saturday afternoon.

"Racing is dangerous, and thank God God's a race fan, or it would be a lot moredangerous," Lajoie stated during his keynote address. The two-time NASCAR Nationwide Series Champion and current racing seat manufacturer is picturedat right inbetween ARCA President Ron Drager and GM Racing's Tom Gideon. LaJoiebelieves that either we have all been very lucky, or that a higher force is watching over us. And in either case, everyone in racing must step up their respective level of responsibility to ensure continued progress in racing safety.

LaJoie founded the Joie of Seating some ten years ago after using what he felt were less than adequate seats for most of his racing career. He has used his vast experience at all levels of racing to develop a form-fitted seat, customized for each racer. In addition to the form-fitted technology, Lajoie has worked diligently on shoulder and head supports, and has also involved himself in the design and development of seat belts.

"Racing is fun, and we need to keep it fun," LaJoie said. "We need to be sure we are as safe as we can be, so that it stays fun."

LaJoie was joined by Tom Gideon, safety manager for GM Racing. Gideon, who has been instrumental in measuring G-forces in impacts to help in the design of safety equipment, reminded the audience of how important proper equipment is in our sport.

"The safety budget for most racers has grown immensely in recent years," Gideon said. "But how can you put a price on your own safety...on your life. Funerals are more expensive than the proper safety equipment."

While harsh, that statement seemed to hit home with those in attendance.

Both LaJoie and Gideon showed crash footage during their presentations, graphic examples of how dangerous the sport can be. In most cases, both LaJoie and Gideon were able to show examples of crash impact with and without the proper equipment.

ARCA racer Ron Allen also addressed the crowd after they watched video of his fiery crash at Toledo Speedway from 2006. Allen, who brought the helmet and fire suit he wore during the accident, reminded all of how important the right equipment is, and how fortunate he was. Pictured at left, ARCA technical servicesdirector Bobby Thomsen shows safety seminar participants what remains of Allen's firesuit after his 2006 crash at Toledo Speedway.

The annual ARCA Safety Seminar is a part of the ARCA Safety Initiative, formed by the ARCA sanctioning body in 2005. The ARCA Safety Initiative was launched in an effort to explore, examine and react to the elements that comprise the safety environment in the sport, and in the well being of those who participate, spectate and manage.