The success of any organization lies with individuals taking a proactive approach to addressing what’s needed when. In other words, ‘What can I do to help?” At INDYCAR, the sanctioning body of the IZOD IndyCar Series, Firestone Indy Lights and Mazda Road to Indy, transportation manager Louie Parsons is among those who keep the series moving forward.

Parsons received the Championship Drivers Association award for Outstanding Achievement and Service in the safety and care of the drivers by a vote of Holmatro Safety Team members. The award was presented at the Holmatro Safety Team recognition dinner Sept. 19 in Indianapolis.

“Louie has always been the person who quietly, behind the scenes, gets things done and done right,” Holmatro USA president William “Giff” Swayne said.  “He may not wear a Holmatro Safety Team suit every race, although he can and does fill in when needed, but he is no doubt a key member of the team.

“His dedication is evident in the appearance of the transporter and the trucks and the fact that no matter what the request if it is possible Louie will make it happen.  I can’t think of a member of the Holmatro Safety Team that is more deserving of this award and the recognition for a job well done and I would like to add my personal thanks to Louie for all that he does.” 

The Holmatro Safety Team is comprised of firefighters and paramedics – many of whom hold leadership positions in their local departments. Sixteen Holmatro Safety Team members, in addition to two doctors and three nurses attend each INDYCAR-sanctioned race. Three Chevrolet Silverado trucks carry state-of-the-art Holmatro safety equipment to attend to on-track incidents. A command vehicle with INDYCAR medical director Dr. Michael Olinger and a trauma physician complement the quick-response team. The vehicles and equipment are transported via tractor trailer, which Parsons drives.

“Louie is the person who takes care of everything before we even arrive at a race venue,” said INDYCAR track safety operations manager Mike Yates, who won the award in 2002. “He came to our preseason safety training class a few years ago and now on occasion serves a vital role on one of the Holmatro Safety Team trucks in re-starting cars or using a quick-jack if needed. That was very proactive of him to want to learn, but that’s the type of man he is.”

Yates and two other Holmatro Safety Team members will travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina, next week to teach procedures and protocols to local event workers in advance of a rally race.

Earlier this month, Holmatro Incorporated announced a five-year partnership renewal with INDYCAR as the Official Rescue Tool Supplier for the IZOD IndyCar Series and Firestone Indy Lights. Holmatro, the global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality hydraulic products and rescue equipment, has provided trackside support at every IZOD IndyCar Series race since its January 1996 inaugural event at Walt Disney World Speedway.