C6 Corvette Fire | Finding Out What Happened ... 

100% right

this^ hotlapping+loose rail= thin fuel vapor+material expansion

@@feelgoodhorizon4084 yes she stated that the pedals in the cabin felt warm while driving so how hot was that engine

100% was looking for this comment. I think Nick was on the money

100% they are not taking into account in the shop that the car was HOT and that it was or had been raining, water spreads fuel FAST which would mean you don’t need as much fuel to make a larger fire.

i second this.

I had that exact thought

and the seals get soft with heat

And also injectors aren't working when the car is off so that could be why they can't find it

@@josh_ov9303 they do, thats why when your car doesn't start it can flood the motor if you keep trying it...and you can HEAR the injectors firing on the video if you use a headset...and they even showed the fuel pressure gauge, did you even watch the video?

Yeah plus brake fluid isn’t really flammable at this temperatures and pressures. If it smells like a duck looks like a duck quacks like a duck it’s a duck.. catch can fumes could definitely add to the fire.

put a hose on a fuel fire and it spreads, the fire spread would have been from the radiator burst. It is why the extinguishers are not liquid for a fuel fire.

@@LionSleepsAnotherNight that was my thought when they said rad blowing helped like nah probs spread that shit everywhere

@@adamkernohan yeah i agree there's not enough in those lines to do anything lol i make brake fluid for a living at a Chemical plant and while it burns for a long time unhindered because it's thinner than water and partially gaseous it's not really combustible especially in small amounts

Lots of learning. Lots of rebuilding, but will come back stronger. and hope this can bring awareness to lots of other people

@@ColleteDavis if the cabin gets too hot to wear a firesuit get some fans in there or cool suit you are worth more than the car. Be safe.

To add to this a cool suit is a good investment when running in the summer the extra 15lbs is a life saver

An Electrical fire would explain why there was a fire inside of the car

@@patrickr2686 well in the video they explained how it came up through the trans tunnel and the evidence of heat being in the trans tunnel makes sense

@@patrickr2686 If you can smell fuel inside the car, that means fuel vapour can get inside the car. Remember, liquid fuel isn't flammable, it's the *vapour* that burns.

The frustration and sadness in her voice when she couldn't get the pin out of the extinguisher was what did it for me, yo could just hear how heartbroken she was

And keep emptying your catch can! I think part of it was the catch can drain emptied hot oil over everything

The firewall inside should have stuck to it insulation that is fire proof.

:(

Yeah, that really got me too :(

thank you - we will rebuild!

​@@ColleteDavis glad you're OK sorry about the frustration for haw extensive and work will be in the rebuilding your awesome vette Definitely time for a name will definitely be buying merch for my lady this week to help out looking forward to the content of the rebuild stay safe keep your head up and keep moving sideways and forward

@@ColleteDavis I bought a piece of the corvette to help out as much I can. You're welcome of course, and much love! Stay blessed. 🤘🏻⚡

@@ColleteDavis project phenix

@@XXniccloXX I love that, that's genius

It's a silver lining for sure. But also highlights how bad it could be out on that main track. Makes you wonder how far apart fire crews are on the track? And how they can communicate and travel to fires and incidents and have fast responses. I feel like from watching laps on the big course there is sections where you are so far away from spotters or fire crews. - maybe it just looks that way with the go pros and all that. Definitely food for thought.

My first thought when it burst into flames was how lucky we were it wasn't at crazy high speeds on a bank or something and she could come to a stop quickly

Cleatur has a fire truck though… seems like there should have been a bunch more fire extinguishers on hand on the side of the track provided by the event

can happen to anyone really , will be more prepared in everything going forward

@@ColleteDavis Your view and attitude about this fire and disaster is basically very good. My suggestions, assessment, evaluation is based upon knowledge, expertise, experience as a design engineer, with extensive knowledge, experience in science, physics, chemistry, materials, fuels, mechanical, electrical, mechanics, electronics, troubleshooting, solutions, verification, certification, etc. for over 43 years. My methods, process, experience, , training, development, and expertise within the proper methodical process, assessment through troubleshooting, determination, solutions are excellent. Still, within these specific situations actual experts similar to me but within the specific areas needed are essential to achieve the precision accuracy, exactness necessary. Hopefully, You will begin to be more aware how important, critical and essential these proper methods, process are for You and with which Your life depends upon. It is one thing to have good people like Nick and the others within the LZ compound and others from outside like the Vargus brothers and others to assist, work with, build, fabricate, test, etc. with to achieve the vehicles. However, each of them are not nearly the same with the level of expertise of proper design engineers or technicians. As a previous Hyundai Racing Team driver, hopefully You are aware of the use and necessity Hyundai Racing and every manufacture, professional racing team has within their organization to achieve their results and the safety for their drivers. The mechanics You have available within the LZ compound, friends and similarly with all of the other similar individuals with their channels are limited and do not compare with what these racing teams have either. If such a team would have a fire, the methods, precision, accuracy, exactness they proceed with is necessary to determine the exact cause, not 'well it seems to be ... ' type that You may be able to 'get away with' for many mechanical issues within Your vehicles as nearly everyone uses 'trial and error' process that always fails, and then lack the proper knowledge, methods and process to troubleshoot, assess, evaluate, discern, analyze, determine, etc. Three of many major catastrophic events You may be aware of that exemplify proper: All are within NASA, though certainly not limited to them. A. Apollo 1 - fire inside the command module capsule - last test, training, preparation, day before scheduled launch - full rehearsal including full lock down, sealing of capsule - [i was alive though the event was not broadcast as the launches are] - all three astronauts burned - died -0 unable to open hatch to save them - in sufficient or no fire suppression systems B. Apollo 13 - loss of oxygen in command module and service module for rocket engine - tank damage, rupture - determined after travel toward the moon - emergency procedures determined, decided, implemented - all three astronauts returned to earth's orbit, descended, arrived safely C. Space Shuttle Challenger, Jan 1986 - explosion-rapid burning approx. 73 seconds after launch into flight - determined O-ring failure(s) - (saw this during live transmission from The Cape near You) [please see this document representing the level and much of the detail see, determined, with some of the extensive experiments metioned: er.jsc.nasa.gov/seh/explode.html] D. Space Shuttle Discovery, Feb. 1, 2003 - explosion during re-entry and descent through the earth's atmosphere - people in Texas, heard and saw the explosion that Saturday morning - some told me of their person experiences These are mentioned not specifically for the tragedies, loss of life, danger alone, but more so for the necessary efforts before, and post the tragedies to determine the exact cause, failure(s) in detail, to arrive at the necessary solution(s), modifications, improvements. A.firstly You - review the in camera video, in detail, in slow motion, for Yourself, to become more aware what occured: -just from a review of this video, in slow motion, x0.25 speed with 720p resolution, much is very clear to be aware of about each step with the fire that occurred - Your originals certainly have more detail captured - as You stated clearly, the first flames are visible rising from under the hood, near center, just to the left, driver's side - - note the expansion, manner, direction, spread and extent of the flames - in the next frame flame is seen below the center dash, to the right, passenger's side - -note the expansion, manner, direction, spread and extent of the flames - - especially note the area surrounding the gear shift lever near Your hand - - - quite amazing the flames did not ignite the sleeve of Your clothing- perhaps the extension of the glove with some fire protection was enough - - especially note, more so, the full expansion, area, spread of the flames into the passenger area - - - if those flames had expanded, spread equally, including or only in the direction toward the driver's side, the flame would have reached to Your helmet and face ! - the fuel fumes You state You smelled inside Your vehicle are clearly indications of a fuel vapor leak and the sudden expansion, flames within the passenger compartment-area appear to be consistent with this too. - You grabbed the small fire extinguisher after stopping the vehicle, removing the steering wheel before exiting - You opened the door, with fire extinguisher in hand, grasping the cylinder tank, but not prepared for use. - as the door opens, flames from underneath the vehicle spreading outward are seen - Your left foot steps over the bottom door frame, through the expanding flames, wearing Your basic, comfortable shoes [not tied] with sock, and clothing which are easily flammable, NO fire protection, no awareness of the flames and spraying Your small fire extinguisher. - You clearly were not aware and fully prepared to examine, view and act with the extinguisher as You exited, except toward the engine compartment. B. With a proper review You will be more aware of the flames that were around, extremely close to You inside the the 'cabin', inside by Your hand, the expanding flames upward to the right and the flames which were seen outside from underneath after opening the door as You exited which could have ignited Your clothing and the flash fire could have burned Your face. C. Please see, view, review the video which Tom Bailey posts with the fire he had last year, in 2021, with his 2.0 Camaro along with his details explanations, especially with and about proper fire safety equipment and improvements which he had planned and has made now. Yes, You are correct, that much of the fire safety equipment is designed mostly to protect the driver and increase the time period to escape and the number of layers of fire clothing are also measured based upon time too along with amount of heat from fire. D. You should have actual experts involved in the assessment, evaluation, discernment, analysis, determination, near along with some actual expert, engineers, with knowledge and experience with assessment, evaluation. My hope is that You will take this information seriously, it is useful, helpful, beneficial and most importantly affect Your view, perception, perspective about Your vehicles, builds, development, success and those necessary to accomplish what You'All desire, want and with proper safety. All The Best Sincerely

@@ColleteDavis The assessment, evaluation, ideas mentioned in this video, clearly indicate some significant lacking thus, resulting in incorrect determinations. A. Viewing the type of flames first appearing from under the hood and those appears within fractions of a second later inside the passenger area expanding form the firewall beneath the dash in the center are similar - they are fire of vapors, not liquid as compared with the fire on the pavement and engulfing the right side of the vehicle. B. There is no reasonable explanation for a fuel leak or fuel fire up on the top of the engine to have then led to the fire on the right, passenger side of the vehicle, which is clearly by the indications a fire of the brake fluid. C. If there was a liquid fuel fire due to a fuel leak on the fuel rails above the engine, there would have been ar more severe fire, damage on, around and above the engine - The statement from NIck about having liquid squirt into his face after the fire was extinguished, via moving the slightly loose fuel rail, is NOT a proof it was fuel. This liquid could and would be either coolant from the radiator or perhaps some source. Remember the fire was extinguished by spraying around the engine compartment with the hood closed, fro the top front, sides and upon the flames on the pavement and around the passenger side fender. If there was a liquid fuel fire, it would have continued and further damage and worse could have resulted. Thus the fuel fire must have been vapor, which matches with the smell of the fuel vapors inside the passenger compartment. Clearly and certainly there was brake fluid inflamed and burning on the pavement and around the vehicle on the passenger side. Clearly and certainly there was fuel vapors inflamed inside the passenger area and under the hood escaping from the engine compartment. The evidence above the engine, around it, inside the engine compartment shows no indication of fuel liquid fire. The statement from Nick about liquid spurting into his face just after the fire was extinguished is not a clear indication of any fuel leak, rather of some liquids which remained on the top of the engine ear the fuel rail and injectors. This does indicate there was some air pressure which was released when he moved the slightly loose rail. The evidence of lack of fuel leak during Your testing shown matches with and confirms the lack of a fuel leak. So then, why was there any air pressure which sprayed the liquid which Nick experienced ? The issue of the fuel vapors smelled and resulting vapor flames indicates there was some fuel vapors existing there. They could be from such tiny amounts of fuel leaking with occurred die to the heat, thus expansion of seals, thus not noticed during the cold testing shown, or there is another source of fuel vapor leakage via a return line nearby in the engine compartment or below. This would also explain the fuel vapor smell and flames inside the passenger compartment. Now what initiated the fuel vapors to ignite ? => thus, the spread of vapor flames ? The fuel vapor could have ignited via the engine heat, one there was, sufficient enough accumulation. Also note the similar flames seen from underneath the vehicle as the driver opened the door, exiting and seen afterwards too. There is possibility that the two inflammations are not independent fires occurring nearly simultaneously, and coincidentally. Rather, however there significant indication from the evidence of the flames in the video, and the damage shown too, that one fire resulted in the other. Thus, it seem from the evidence here, there was a rupture or loose brake line fitting which resulted in spraying brake fluid onto hot engine parts, specifically the exhaust manifold, pipes from the passenger's side, which then became inflamed. then these flames increase with more fluid expressed via brake usage, increasing the flames, then with more, fluid burning, more damage occurred tot he brake lines, more flames and reached upward to ignite the fuel vapors. So, thus the fire was initiated by the brake line fitting or line failure, led to brake fluid sprayed upon the exhaust manifold and pipes. In addition there was a fuel vapor leak, thus igniting into vapor flames in the engine compartment and from below into the passenger area. Those fuel lines also are placed from under the engine down under and through the tunnel area to the fuel tank. One of those lines are the return line which often contain more vapors also. This also explains the burned damage along those lines to the tank, indication there is/was a fuel vapor leak along the lines. The following are related.to the cause and need proper, thorough checking, verification and correction.: A. Now the obviously damaged brake lines, fittings, other components for the passenger's side and check with all other lines, components of the brake system. B. Similarly worthwhile to check all hydraulic lines and components with the clutch. C. The fuel lines, rails, seals should all be checked for liquid and vapor from the tank, through to the engine compartment, rails, injectors, engine, and returns. - the issue with the fuel rail bolt loosening, need to be solved properly, not just addressed and monitored. - the may be issues with the fuel line fitting, seals, components not best suitable for Ethanol, thus may result in some ethanol vapors or worse liquid leaks due to chemical reaction/affects deterioration/damage/wear. D. Obviously all parts, components within the engine compartment require full checking, verification, etc. E. A through checking, verification of all parts, components, nuts, bolts, etc. My hope is that You will take this information seriously, it is useful, helpful, beneficial and most importantly affect Your view, perception, perspective about Your vehicles, builds, development, success and those necessary to accomplish what You'All desire, want and with proper safety. All The Best Sincerely

Bro she don't need all that lmfao. She's not gonna be able to read that

@@matthurst3987 if he didnt use 9 words to describe each single thing it wouldve been a qtr of the length. It is my belief, thought, idea, feeling, conclusion, interpretation, and assumption that he uses lots of words to describe something. This guy could literally write a novel on how to wipe your own ass

The video with fire the guy said do you have a fire suppression system. Think it pretty much standard for most race cars as it can stop a fire quick. would also put a way to dead switch engine and battery from inside car as you had to go back in and shut it off.

I was thinking the same thing

@@kjdionmemphis yeah it just seemed to me that the heat in the engine compartment is the only thing missing when they had the fuel system pressurized and were shaking the fuel rail.

All things considered the car actually survived pretty well! very surprising

Was all drift hq guys that helped.

Or vibratite or nordlocks safety wire sounds like a good idea until you need to quickly service something

@@Doubie. I'll take lack of fire over serviceability. Although I am used to doing safety wire so it doesn't bother me any more.

@@Doubie. safety wire takes very little time once your even a small bit used to doing it

@@MX304 You seem to be rather ignorant and stupid too. My suggestion is to view Tom Bailey's video about his fire in his Camaro 2.0 of last year in 2021 and his information. Safety should be #1 priority. Not only with fire, also the other aspects too. See what occurs if a vehicle hits a wall @ 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 + MPH to the driver, passengers and vehicle!

@@williamroberts6424 Fire safety, involves automatic, equipment, components, preparation, drills, knowledge and attitude. Similarly with other aspects of safety.

+1. The fact that there were no large extinguishers on hand is shameful.

Most race tracks only have small and medium fire extinguishers. As most race cars are mandatory to have fire suppression system in engine bay and cabin, that can be accessed inside and out side car. Engine and battery dead switches inside easy to access and out side as well.

I had the same thought, especially since it had been hot lapped for so long, everything would have been really hot and the rail had probably expanded enough for it to leak once that bolt backed out, now that’s it’s cold the metal has shrunk back to where it originally was and isn’t leaking anymore.

Definitely replace injector o-rings even if they aren't leaking now...dry sumps can create alot of crank case vacuum

This was also my guess as well. I believe the vapors coming from the catch can is what turned the initial fuel rail fire into a much bigger one with it emptying out on to the watered track.

@@jlett24 that what would think as well fuel vapors in catch can hot engine and e85 will have e85 getting in the oil and catch can watched the fire frame by frame and there is a small flame coming from the plate on the tunnel under the dash first just before flames came from hood

🙏

Hopefully the lesson is american tracks need better fire saftey. The fact it was the drift HQ guys that put out the car is fucking mental!

@@Mr_jz_12 +1. Where the fuck were the track staff? Did they literally have no fire fighting equipment at all, not even a couple of large extinguishers?

@@noxious89123 you'd have thought tracks would have learnt after the grange incident. The fact that its a large event is even more bizarre

@@Mr_jz_12 it was on a skid pad to so you would think they would have fire crews placed around the pad . But it definitely does seem to be an American issue when it comes to lack of safety equipment and fire crews

@@robvanderkroft6515 Yeah its a little scary. I think cletus cracked down on stuff after the burst radiator incident. Even drag week did after one of the enterents cars caught fire badly.

Definitely should wear a race suit.

With all the racing that shop does do you all have a Safety Manager who helps cover and prepare for what you do? Even if contracted, someone who specializes in car racing safety. Take care of yourself.

Salama Halikoum, Bonjour Julien, i'mF²oCarrÉ 74 🇨🇵 🇲🇦 From France. Vous êtes Français ? Bonne continuation

Yea as an avid watcher of formula 1 and stuff like that I can’t believe there wasn’t a fire engine owned by the track