What should I do if my car catches on fire while I am racing?
Your first consideration is to get your car stopped quickly and safely. As you are looking for a good place to pull over, shut off your engine and battery master switch. This will keep the fuel pump and electrical system from adding to the excitement. Using your best judgment as to how fast you need to get out of the car, try to find track personnel such as a flag person to park close to. (Flaggers will not come to your aid, but they do have fire extinguishers that you can use. Also, if they see you are on fire, they will call the safety crew to help you.) Park the car in an area that is safe from other cars on the track and away from other items that may catch on fire such as gasoline storage or dry grass. After the car is stopped, hold your breath, release the fire extinguisher system and then get out and away from the car. Remember the track is still "hot" and it would be really sad to get out of a burning car just to get hit by another racer passing by. Keep your head by practicing an emergency bail out.
If the fire is out of control, all of the above may "go out the window". Just remember three main things: Stop the car, hold your breath and get out!
Why should you hold your breath? Well, two reasons. One, smoke and fumes can be very hot and/or caustic and they can burn your lungs. Smoke inhalation can choke you and make you pass out. Two, high concentrations of Halon or FE-36 can be toxic.
Remember, your helmet and gloves will be very critical in a fire. The shield needs to be down to keep your face from burning and to keep the temperature of the air you breath lower. The gloves will help protect your hands from hot metal and melted roll bar padding. Two-layer SFI-rated or FIA-rated gloves are highly recommended.