Daytona to install SAFER barrier on wall Kyle Busch hit
Daytona International Speedway announced plans to install SAFER barrier on the wall that Kyle Busch hit during February’s Xfinity Series race.
Busch hit a bare concrete wall and suffered a compound fracture in his right leg and a broken left foot. He’s currently out of action and being replaced by David Ragan in his No. 18 for Joe Gibbs Racing.
The wall isn’t the only place where Daytona is making improvements. After Busch’s crash, Daytona president Joie Chitwood vowed that his track would make necessary safety improvements and said SAFER, energy-absorbing steel and foam wall, should have been in the spot where Busch hit. The track is currently in the midst of a $400 million renovation project and SAFER barrier is estimated to cost $500 a foot.
“In addition, based on material availability and timing, we will install SAFER barrier on the outside backstretch wall and will complete as much as possible prior to the July NASCAR weekend,” Chitwood said.
“Following the July races, we will complete any remaining installation of SAFER barrier on the outside backstretch wall, and continue to install SAFER barrier on the remaining areas of the property. We will provide additional updates regarding our safety initiatives as circumstances warrant. The safety of the competitors and our fans is our top priority.”
Here’s a list of other Daytona changes:
• Additional 20,000 square feet of asphalt in Turn 1
• Realignment of a portion of the inside retaining wall from infield road course exit to Turn 1
• Installation of SAFER barrier (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) on realigned retaining wall and existing retaining wall in Turn 1
• Installation of SAFER barrier on retaining wall at pit road exit
• Installation of SAFER barrier between the exit of Turn 4 to pit road entry
The next NASCAR Daytona race weekend begins July 2. No mandates have been announced for NASCAR regarding SAFER barrier additions or other safety improvements at other tracks for the 2016 season.
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Nick Bromberg is the editor of From The Marbles on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!
