Photo Credit: Mike Holtsclaw
In a continuation with the safety upgrades by tracks since Kyle Busch’s accident at Daytona in February, Bristol Motor Speedway and Michigan International Speedway are the next two tracks to announce changes.
Bristol Motor Speedway announced that they will add additional SAFER barriers around the entire half-mile oval.
“The safety of our fans and competitors continues to be a focal point for Bristol Motor Speedway,” Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager for Bristol Motor Speedway, said. “SMI engineers and NASCAR reevaluated the track and made additional recommendations. We’ve been able to secure an additional 600 feet of SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) barriers and will complete the build out of the front and backstretch outside walls before the Food City 500 race weekend.”
Michigan International Speedway announced that they will add SAFER barriers along the walls at pit in and out, with tire pack barriers installed at the angled wall inside turn one. In addition, the infield at the exit of pit road will be paved. Following the August race at Michigan, they will add SAFER barriers to the outside walls on the frontstretch and backstretch, as well as the pit tri-oval wall.
“The safety of our guests, competitors and staff is our number one priority,” Roger Curtis, MIS president, said. “We will continue to review our facility and provide updates as circumstances warrant.”
Bristol and Michigan follows suit with Texas Motor Speedway, Martinsville Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, Phoenix International Raceway and Auto Club Speedway in announcing safety additions to their speedway. A lot of focus has been put on safety and SAFER Barriers following a crash in February at Daytona International Speedway in the NASCAR XFINITY Series race that saw Kyle Busch break his leg.
