Dr. Christopher Carr, who has worked with IndyCar drivers as well as Olympic, professional and collegiate athletes during a 30-year career, wouldn’t define the sport of racing as “dangerous” despite the chance of death. He says that’s because it’s risky in a controlled environment.
“From just an environmental standpoint, different sports have different expectations of danger,’’ Carr said. “Soccer players don’t expect a fatality during a match. But in motor racing and sports like downhill skiing, they just all know there’s a potential for negative consequences every time they compete.’’
“I realize that this is a part of it,’’ said Ganassi Racing driver Graham Rahal, the 2008 St. Petersburg winner, whose father, Bobby, is a former Indy 500 and series champion.
“I know the risks that go along with it. I’m not going to have any second thoughts. It does put things in perspective, though, and makes you kind of realize you need to enjoy every single day we are here.
“I believe racing is what I was born to do and I will keep doing it. I’m sure there will be guys that think about (Dan Wheldon's accident) and think about often. That’s why it’s important for us to get back racing.’’
