Introduction: The Evolution of Motorsport Safety
In the high-stakes world of car racing, the question of safety is ever-present. With vehicles hurtling around tracks at an average speed of 200kph (or 125mph), the margin for error is razor-thin. A split-second decision can dramatically alter the race’s outcome, often leading to crashes caused by driver error, mechanical failure, or contact with other race cars.
Over the years, advancements in safety measures and cutting-edge technologies have revolutionized the sport, significantly reducing the number of injuries and fatalities. Governing bodies have enforced standards such as fire-resistant suits, survival cells (or ‘Monocoque’), carbon fiber helmets, the Head and Neck Support device (HANS), the Halo device, and fire protection gloves. These innovations have led to a notable decline in fractures and extremity injuries, though back, neck, and pelvis injuries persist.
Key Safety Innovations in Motorsport
The Role of the HANS Device
One of the key contributors to the decrease in injuries has been the HANS device and the mandatory use of it since 2001.
The HANS device, developed by Professor Rob Hubbard of Michigan State University, has been pivotal in reducing the flexion-distraction force on the head and neck by 80%. While effective in frontal crashes, it lacks protection against side or angled impacts. Moreover, it does not mitigate vertical forces compressing the spine or horizontal G-forces on the body. Despite hybrid versions attempting to address these issues, the need for a more comprehensive solution remains.
The Mackz Performance Solution: A New Era of Safety
Mackz Performance has taken up the challenge of advancing motorsport safety. After two decades of rigorous design, testing, and collaboration with industry experts, they have introduced the Mackz 360 SCS (Safety Cell System). This groundbreaking system offers 360° protection, addressing the limitations of existing solutions by mitigating impacts from all directions, including rotational forces.
What Sets Mackz 360 SCS Apart
Unlike traditional systems focused solely on frontal deceleration, the Mackz 360 SCS is engineered with full-body biomechanics in mind. It stabilizes the helmet across X, Y, and Z axes, offering basal skull protection in all directions and preventing eye nerve injuries that could impair a driver’s vision.
The system also distributes impact energy across the shoulders, back, and torso, providing spinal support and organ cushioning through high-density, fire-retardant foam. Additionally, it features fire and fume shielding beneath the helmet, a unique attribute in the market. Designed for efficiency, it allows drivers to exit their vehicle within 10 seconds after a crash.
Addressing Current Safety Shortcomings
Tom Weisenbach, Executive Director of the International Council of Motorsport Sciences (ICMS), touts that “this device is what motorsport has been waiting 18 years for.”
From Concept to Reality: The Journey of Innovation
The journey began for Paul Cleveland (founder of Mackz Performance) in 1996, following a severe crash at Redline Speedway, Ballarat. Inspired to create a more effective neck device, Paul received positive feedback for his early foam neck designs. By the 2010s, he expanded his vision to include a full body harness/safety cell system, overcoming initial setbacks to develop the Mackz 360 SCS with the right team.
Research, Validation, and Future Prospects
With a reformed leadership team and strategic funding, Mackz Performance has partnered with Swinburne University of Technology to conduct comprehensive sled and biomechanical testing. Once the Mackz 360 SCS meets international safety standards, it will be launched into the racing world. Beyond motorsport, Paul envisions applications in military, aviation, and contact sports.
Conclusion: Opportunities for Investment
Mackz Performance is on the brink of a transformative breakthrough in motorsport safety. There is a unique opportunity for investors passionate about motorsports to join the final stages of development. The team seeks funding to finalize research, testing, and design, paving the way for a safer racing future.
