|
Meet Laura Ethridge
PPIHC Safety Team Truck Captain
What led you to volunteer on Pikes Peak?
Todd Kueker, former PPIHC Safety Chief, would ask me every time he saw me, "You want to be on the race safety team?" Finally, I gave in! This will be my 12th year as a volunteer.
Describe your current role and duties:
I am on the race safety team and serve as Safety 2 Captain. My truck crew sits at Halfway Picnic Grounds. First thing in the morning we make sure the road is ready for race cars. The safety crews can be seen sweeping the highway, cleaning up oil on the road, or moving hay bales at 0400 in preparation for the race cars. Hopefully, we just sit and watch cars go by at 100+ mph, but we are there to assist, rescue and treat drivers that may not have had such a good day on the mountain.
What other roles have you had on Pikes Peak?
I started on Pikes Peak in 1999 in an ambulance with Event Medical and American Medical Response before moving to the race safety team.
In May, I will begin working part-time as a Pikes Peak Highway Ranger. The more time I'm on the mountain, the happier I am!
What keeps you coming back?
Well, it's definitely not the 0300 start time! I'd say, it's being a part of a special family, watching sunrise on Pikes Peak, the thrill of racing, and playing a role in the second oldest auto race in America.
What does being a part of this event mean to you?
Pride in knowing we have one of the most unique safety teams in motorsports. I'm humbled to work with so many great people, from the race officials and the Pikes Peak Highway staff, to the racers and their teams.
Three words to describe the PPIHC?
Challenging - Magnificent - Dynamic
What is your occupation?
Paramedic
| 
