Hi Giock
I can only speak with any authority on drag racing and even then, only on the strips at Shakespeare County and Santa Pod in the UK, but at each, there is a full ambulance team and a rescue team in attendance. They are paid from the entrance fees which are paid by competitors and spectators alike.
Safety is a Number 1 priority in drag racing and racing is suspended for any oil stains or rain on the strip. I'm still not quite sure what Hammond was driving, jet car or rocket car, two completely different vehicles but my main concern would be whether he was licensed to drive such a vehicle on the track, something which competition drivers are required to be – this would give some indication of his level of experience.

Eddie