Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By Dave Swarts

Arclight Suzuki crew member and part-time racer Tommy Lancaster is the latest competitor to sing the praises of Air Fence after crashing at Road Atlanta. Lancaster was riding a Suzuki GSX-R600 in a cold Friday-morning practice session when he highsided in turn four, a high-speed, left-hand sweeper.

“I hit the ground, rolled over one time and then saw the air bag,” said Lancaster. “When I saw the air bag coming, I had a big sense of relief. When I hit, I hit the back of my head first. I felt the chin bar of my helmet hit my chest, but all of the energy was absorbed by the air bag. I hit it at probably 80 mph. I firmly believe that if it hadn’t been for the Air Fence, I wouldn’t be walking–at least not walking. I want to say, ‘Thanks.’ to John Ulrich and all of the contributors to the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund.”

Lancaster donated $50 within days of the initial announcement of the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund in April this year.

Several riders have crashed and hit Airfence sections and Alpina Air Modules during the five-day Grand National Finals at Road Atlanta. None were seriously injured.