8/2/2021
Redwood Acres Raceway
Analyzing Jordon Paiment's Wreck
Jordon Paiment was involved in a vicious wreck in the main event for the Legends division this past Saturday. Paiment lost control of his car after getting bumped by Cody Winchel going into the third turn, locked his brakes and hit the third turn wall. Paiment's car rolled on its top and skid its way down the banking where it came to a stop. A small fire erupted as flagman Bill Middleton threw the red flag and track officials rushed to the scene to assist Paiment and extinguish the flames. Thankfully, Paiment was able to extract himself from his car without aid and the fire was quickly put out by RAR's top notch crew.
While Paiment's accident was frightening to watch and the right front of his car was heavily damaged, he was not injured. His ability to walk away from such a wreck is testimony to the safety of the car itself as well as the equipment inside of his car that protected him including his helmet, firesuit, seat and seat belts. In spite of taking a hit at around 100 miles per hour, the race chassis stayed intact and the roll bars prevented the roof of the car from caving in.
As Paiment's car skid down the turn, all the drivers behind the accident were on top of things and were able to safely get by. The scariest moment for Paiment was likely when he saw flames begin as his car slowed to a stop. Fortunately, he was able to use the quick release on his safety belts to get out of his seat and climb out the door of his car. Even though he was visibly angry at the loss of a fast car, the worst damage Paiment suffered in the wreck is likely soreness from the belts which prevented his body from moving on the initial impact.
Jordon Paiment's wreck Saturday night is an example of the importance of safety in all levels of racing. Even though top speeds at Redwood Acres Raceway don't reach much over 100 miles per hour, a hit at that speed or even a lesser speed can result in harm or injury without proper safety equipment. Thankfully Paiment is okay, other than likely still feeling sore from Saturday night's wreck and hopefully he will be back on track at the Acres soon.
Video of the incident: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_jypGjh6mQ
(Special thank you to RAR track photographer Sherie Bialous for her photos.)
Submitted By: Matthew Sullivan
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