Don't have cable, but I caught a few episodes at the folks house when everyone else was asleep, watched a few more on YouTube...

Some of the drama is a bit much, but it's not far from reality. Go to any grudge night around here and it's the same deal, only worse...

As far as provided safety gear, it seems that any time Farm Truck goes "fishing", the other driver gets out after the race with a SFI jacket on...I doubt many people carry that around just in case a tech inspector rolls up to the gas station...