Video: Kurt Caselli Foundation Studies the Glen Helen 24-Hour

The Kurt Caselli Foundation used the Glen Helen 24-Hour off-road endurance race to study head acceleration. Check out the vid.

The study was done in conjunction with Brain Sentry, a company that has developed a helmet-mounted device designed to warn that a concussion may have occurred by illuminating a test light when the device determines that certain head acceleration conditions have been met. The device is already being used in other contact sports.

According to Brain Sentry, the number of concussions that go undetected is staggering. Its own data shows that much of this is due to under-reporting. Brain Sentry’s polling has determined that only 5 percent of concussions are actually reported by athletic trainers and staff, while players polled say that 15 percent of their teammates have suffered concussions. Of those polld, Brain Sentry has determined that a whopping 39 percent of players–more than one in three–have continued to play while suffering a concussion.

The Glen Helen test is further evidence that the Kurt Caselli Foundation, named after the late AMA National Hare & Hound Champion and Dakar Rally competitor, continues to honor is name by honoring its own mission to improve rider safety in off-road and motocross events. The foundation has a three-part mission that encompasses safety precautions for riders before, during, and after a racing career.

1. Before racing, it is committed to encouraging, developing, and standardizing safety precautions that will help minimize risk outside of the rider’s control.

2. During racing, it is committed to developing, establishing, and encouraging the use of safety equipment and policies to increase the safety of the riders.

3. After racing, it is committed to providing a safety net that allows and encourages former racers to further their education and reach career goals for themselves and their families.

The efforts of the Kurt Caselli Foundation are ongoing, and the foundation is always happy to receive financial support to continue its mission. Donations can be made via the foundations PayPal account or by check to The Kurt Caselli Foundation, P.O. Box 6676, Lancaster, CA 93534-5202. According to the foundation, 100 percent of all donations will be used for protecting and supporting the lives of off-road riders.