LONG BEFORE engines roar to life, Perry Fritz — known to nearly everyone simply as “P. Fritz” — is already walking the infield at the Nashville Superspeedway. He is preparing for the day’s upcoming race by checking and inspecting gear and equipment that are lifesaving on the track, not only for the driver, but for the crew and everyone who’s out there. By the time fans begin filing into the stands, he and his team have prepared to the fullest for fires, crashes, fuel spills, and the unpredictable chaos of cars flying by at 200 miles per hour.
For most people, race day is about adrenaline and spectacle. For P. Fritz, it’s about readiness.
“We’re there for the drivers and the teams,” he explained. “If a crew member goes down, gets hit by the car, we’re the first responders that get them to safety for medical care.”
That’s the job, and he’s been doing it for over two decades.
Racing’s Unsung Heroes
Whether he’s at the Nashville Superspeedway or the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway, P. Fritz works on what’s known as the track rescue or track safety team. The title shifts depending on the track, but the mission never does.
According to Fritz, the track rescue team is the group that keeps everyone safe during races. They’re trained firefighters, medics, and safety specialists who stand ready around the track. If there’s a crash, fire, or any kind of problem, they’re the first ones out there. They help drivers get out of the car, put out fires, clean up debris, and make sure the track is safe so racing can continue.
This group also responds in seconds, helping drivers who are hurt or stuck. They put out fires, handle fuel spills, and clear debris so the race can safely restart. And they train constantly, year after year, to stay sharp.
“For example, if there happens to be a fire while they’re fueling, then we are there to protect the driver and the crew members. We make sure that it’s contained and under control in a timely manner,” explained Fritz.
For Fritz and his crew, it’s a job where seconds matter, and hesitation can cost lives.
An Unexpected Path
Fritz’s path to this particular position is unique, as he wasn’t looking for a job and certainly not one in this line of work. However, being at the right place at the right time introduced him to a line of work that has kept coming back each race season for over 20 years.
“I had my own fabrication business,” he said. “I got a call one day to go down and bid on some metalworking projects. That call came from Rick, the track director of operations at the time. One project led to another, and soon I was helping install safer barrier walls.”
Becoming the go‑to welder for repairs when cars hit the wall, he was on-site during events, just in case. Five years later, Fritz was among a group that was asked if anyone was interested in working in Indianapolis and the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He took the chance.
“I guess I did good enough, and they invited me to come back. And then that very next year, I started working at Indianapolis Motor Speedway,” said Fritz.
Today, he’s logged 17 years at Indianapolis and 22 years with Nashville Superspeedway.
A Dangerous Job — and Worth It
Fritz said while he enjoys his time on the track, he knows the dangers it carries. “It’s extremely dangerous,” he added. “You never know when somebody’s going to get hurt. You never know when a car’s going to come flying or if a piece comes flying off the car and you’re not looking, if it could hit you. They tell us to keep our heads on a swivel.”
But he also understands that it’s a part of the job. He added that his crew is who he counts on to get through the day’s race safely.
“I’ve never gotten scared,” said Fritz. “I think if I get scared, then I won’t want to do it anymore. I mean, there’s a few times when I’ve been a little nervous, but I don’t think I’ve ever been afraid or scared. What keeps me doing it is the people. It comes down to the training and the people and the level of trust for them.”
After 20 years, Fritz said retirement isn’t on his mind — not yet. Right now, he’s content with the rhythm of the season, the camaraderie of the team, and the excitement that the racing season brings.
“I just enjoy the sights and the sounds,” he said. GN
