Geo

Folks, I've received a couple of e-mails today regarding the passing of Jay Wright, inventor of the Wright Device. Go in peace Jay.

Here is the more detailed of the two messages I received:

Jay Michael Wright, P.E., 54, passed away Sunday, July 10, 2005. Wright
was an award-winning NASA Engineer and SCCA Champion race car driver.


Wright served in the U.S. Army from 1968 - 72. He was awarded the
National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of
Gallantry, Army Commendation Medal, and a Meritorious Unit Citation.


Wright was educated at John C. Calhoun Community College and the
University of Alabama Birmingham where he earned his B.S. in
Engineering, Chemistry and Mathematics. He also earned a graduate
degree in Biochemistry. He was awarded membership in the Phi Theta
Kappa National Jr. College Scholastic Society and the Tau Beta Pi
National Engineering Honor Society. Jay was a Professional Engineer -
Metallurgy.


Jay Wright had worked as a Quality Assurance Engineer for Alabama Power
Company. He joined Boeing Aerospace Operations in Houston as a
consulting engineer to NASA. Wright began working for NASA - Johnson
Space Center in 1987 as a Materials Research Engineer and Aerospace
Engineer. During his NASA career, Mr. Wright received several Superior
Accomplishments Awards and Technical Brief Awards. His many
publications included "The Wright Method for Determination of Lot
Homogeneity of Fastener Samples." In 1991 he received a Patent Award
for U.S. Patent, "Quick Application/Release Nut with Engagement
Indicator." Recently, Wright had designed, built, and tested a
prototype for a propulsion system he named "The Bargmann Drive."


Wright's success extended to his passion for motorsports. Jay joined
the Sports Car Club of America in 1977 where he competed in SCCA
Regional, National and Runoff's races until 1995. Jay won several
Regional and Divisional Championship titles. In 1993, Wright was
involved in a racing incident which left him paralyzed below the chest.
In spite of his disability, Jay returned to racing. He designed and
raced a hand-control-equipped race car which he raced in SCCA Pro
Racing's Neon Challenge. Wright later served as an SCCA National
Steward.


Wright was also passionate about racing safety. He provided input to
the SCCA Competition Board which resulted in changes that have increased
safety for drivers. Wright also developed a head and neck restraint
system, "The Wright Device," which was successfully tested at Wayne
State.


Wright is survived by his wife, Caroline Bargmann Wright, and his
dedicated service dog, Henri. Visitation will be Friday, July 15 from
4-6 P.M. at Jeter Funeral Home, 311 N. Friendswood Dr., Pearland, TX.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Texas
Hearing and Service Dogs, 4803 Rutherglen, Austin, TX 78749. THSD
plans to name a future service dog in Jay's memory.

baldheadracing

Oh my. What the boilerplate obit doesn't say is Jay developed his restraint on his own time and gave the plans away to anyone who asked. When he asked for funds to test his device, many racers on the Internet each sent a few bucks to pay for testing. The price he charged for the "Wright Device Pro" covered the cost of the consitituent parts - and not much more - and the money went into improving the device in any case - special models for women, for example. Hubbard/Downing are the pioneers, but Jay made head/neck restraints affordable so nobody could cite budget as a reason for not being properly equipped. He will be missed, and when I wear my Wright Device, I will remember and honour a true friend of amateur racers everywhere. R.I.P.

Geo

And Gregg Baker of Isaac (yes, they are competitors) put up funds as well!

Jay will indeed be missed.

seege

That's a pretty great legacy.
R.I.P.