Watkins to address engineering conference

FIA's Watkins to Address SAE Motorsports Engineering Conference

DEARBORN, Mich. (11/7/2006) -- Professor E. S. Watkins, President, FIA Institute for Motor Sport Safety, will deliver the opening keynote address at the SAE Motorsports Engineering Conference & Exhibition, Dec. 5-7, 2006, at the Hyatt Regency Dearborn, Dearborn, Mich.

Commonly known as "Professor Sid," Dr. Watkins is an internationally known neurosurgeon with more than 25 years experience as the FIA Formula One Safety Delegate and Medical Delegate, head of the Formula One on-track medical team, and first responder in case of a crash.

The FIA credits Watkins for the modernization of medical standards in Formula One.

In 2004, the 100th anniversary of the FIA, Watkins became the first president of the FIA Foundation for the Automobile and Society, as well as the first president of the FIA Institute for Motor Sport Safety.

Watkins has written or co-authored a number of books on racing safety, including "Life at the Limit: Triumph and Tragedy in Formula One."

In addition to Watkins, International Motorsports Hall of Famer Bobby Rahal will be the conference's banquet speaker. Among other motorsports professionals participating in the conference are Champ Car's Scott Elkins, NHRA's Don Taylor, Nick Hayes of Richard Childress Racing, as well as two of SAE's most famous members, Neil Ressler and Peter Wright.

-credit: sae