"I like a new challenge every day"
Kevin Slaughter, M.D., Team Doctor, Petersen Motorsports/White Lightning Racing
By Kate Shaw
Photos © Margot Orenchuk

LA SARTHE, France (June 10, 2004) -- I met the new Team Doctor for Petersen/White Lightning over luncheon at Vanessa’s Hospitality, when I went there to meet Media Rep Tom Moore. “I’d like to introduce you to our new doctor,” said Moore, “Dr. Slaughter.” Dr. Kevin Slaughter was clearly amused by, and used to, the double take his name caused those introduced to him. He’s a young man with a clear enthusiasm both for his chosen profession and for racing and Porsche automobiles.

“I’m an emergency and trauma physician,” he explained, “because I like treating sick people.” He paused for a moment before continuing, “I like a different scene every few minutes, a new challenge every day. I never wanted the routine of an office practice where my day would be – routine.” This attitude of course makes him a natural for the job of motorsport medic, for not a thing about this kind of work is predictable.

I asked Dr. Slaughter how he got interested in becoming a team doctor, and he surprised me with his answer. “I love racing,” he said. “I love winding roads, and I love the Porsche marque! I got myself a Porsche 944-Turbo during my residency, to use solely for a track car, and I’m working on my PCA regulation qualification to be allowed to do club racing. Naturally this is my avocation; I am fully committed and passionately so to medicine. But I have to say I’m delighted this week to be able to combine the two!”

During the race, Dr. Slaughter will be responsible, as he has been all week, for any injuries and ailments the team members may suffer, as well as monitoring sleep, food and hydration. “We make sure the drivers and crew are fully hydrated,” he explained, “and we give them ½ strength Gatorade, as much as they will drink. The Gatorade people may not like it, but if you don’t dilute it, there’s too much sugar in that drink.”

Should the unthinkable happen, Dr. Slaughter will be ready to treat or advise on treatment as needed. “If it’s broken bones, of course, we’ll splint on the spot and evacuate them to the medical centre; if it’s anything worse we’ll be certain the driver is well looked after.” His confident manner is surely a comfort to the men he’s working with this week!

I asked Dr. Slaughter what his favourite part of Le Mans is, and without hesitation he answered, “The cars! They are amazing machines! And of course the teamwork among the guys, with everything from rebuilding the car to preparation and execution of pit stops. I have to tell you, I’d have offered to do the laundry and wash dishes to get the opportunity to be here this week! It’s a chance I am very happy to have.”

Finally, looking both ways first, I asked, “If you were to come into the garage and find the keys in the No. 90 “Ho Car”, would you be tempted to take it for the spin of your life?”

“You bet I would, absolutely,” he answered with enthusiasm, but shook his head. “But I certainly will not press my luck. The Porsche people would no doubt shoot me on sight. “

The crew and drivers of Petersen White Lightning welcomed Dr. Slaughter to their team, and although we are glad he’s standing by, we all hope that his great skills in emergency trauma are not needed this weekend.