Daytona Getting ‘SAFER’ Barriers
Written by John Davison · June 7, 2004
Daytona International Speedway has begun installation of the SAFER (Steel And Foam Energy Reduction) barriers. At the media demonstration of their installation recently at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Gary Nelson stated that the barriers seem to have reduced G-force loadings by up to 70%, compared to similar impacts on the older barriers.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Installation of Steel and Foam Energy Reduction barriers are currently underway at Daytona International Speedway.
The project to install the SAFER barriers is scheduled to be complete by June 27. The Pepsi 400 Weekend is scheduled for July 1-3.
“The safety of our competitors and fans is a top priority at Daytona International Speedway,” Speedway President Robin Braig said. “We look forward to working with NASCAR, Dr. Dean Sicking and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as they enhance the safety features at the ‘World Center of Racing.”
Scientists at the University of Nebraska”s Midwest Roadside Safety Facility developed the SAFER barrier, which absorbs some of the energy in an accident and lessens the impact on a driver. The SAFER wall technology consists of rectangular steel tubing backed by foam blocks that is installed in front of the trace track”s cement walls.
The SAFER barrier at Daytona International Speedway will run continuously for 3,050 feet from the entrance to Turn 1 through the exit of Turn 2 and 3,050 feet from the entrance to Turn 3 through the exit of turn 4.
Additional SAFER barrier with a length of nearly 900 feet will run along the inside Superstretch wall and another 900 feet of SAFER barrier will run along the inside wall of the skid pad in Turn 4. In the tri-oval, there will be 1,270 feet of SAFER barrier.
The SAFER wall project began in the fall of 2000 and remains an ongoing safety initiative among NASCAR, the Indy Racing League, Dr. Dean Sicking and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
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