Watch Rapid Response

Rapid Response is a documentary film released in 2019 that offers a detailed account of the history and evolution of safety norms in motorsports. The movie has been directed by Roger Hinze and produced by Michael William Miles. The film features interviews with some of the most iconic figures in the world of motorsports, including racing legends such as Mario Andretti, Bill Simpson, and Rick Mears.

The movie begins with the story of the first-ever recorded death in the history of American motorsports. The incident happened at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1958, and it highlighted the absolute lack of safety regulations and protocols that existed in the sport at the time. The film details the history of prominent racing accidents which resulted in serious injuries and tragedy, such as the crash of Jim Clark, Kenny Brack, and Tony Renna. However, the movie also highlights the significant progress that has been made in the field of motor racing safety over the past few decades.

The film provides a deep analysis of the science and engineering behind the safety innovations that have revolutionized motor racing today. The installation of the SAFER Barrier - an energy-absorbing barrier that protects drivers from impact during crashes - is a prominent feature of the film. This technology was introduced after the tragic death of NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt at the Daytona 500 in 2001.

Rapid Response focuses on the efforts of the motorsports medical teams in improving medical care for drivers. The movie features Dr. Stephen Olvey and Dr. Terry Trammell, who were among the first to draw attention to the importance of having a medical team at every motor racing event. The film details the establishment of the medical response team that has set new standards of medical support for drivers during on-track incidents.

The film also delves into the controversy surrounding the medical aspects of auto racing. Olvey and Trammell were part of IndyCar when they established their medical team. They pushed for the development of a team with a safer magnetic force skid instead of the less safe titanium alloy skids, which reduce the risk of drivers being burned. They highlighted problems with the Ambu-bag that would force drivers into a coma-like state, placing them in danger. The movie takes an in-depth look at the impact of these problems and the people who worked tirelessly to solve them.

The documentary captures the emotional impact of an auto racing accident and how the aftermath of a crash affects the racing culture. The filmmakers delve into the psychological trauma faced by emergency medical workers who work on the front lines of the sport, while drivers grapple with the fear of getting injured while racing. The movie captures the passion for the sport of racing and how fearlessly drivers push themselves to the limits.

Rapid Response proves to be an engaging and powerful testimonial. The film is an inspirational tale of how continuous innovation and hard work have helped to make motorsports a much safer sport today. The documentary also underlines the significant importance of inter-disciplinary collaboration and the spirit of teamwork that has enabled the sport to evolve dynamically. The film sets a reminder that constant improvement is always necessary to bring about a safer future for motorsports.

Overall, Rapid Response is an incredibly moving and informative documentary for both race fans and those unfamiliar with auto racing. The movie does a great job showcasing real issues and compelling storytelling to keep you on the edge of your seat. The the film is a powerful tribute to the past tragedy and a testament to the future innovation that carries the sport-forward.

Rapid Response is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.3 and a MetaScore of 52.