Give NASCAR Credit For Fast Action at Talladega
When it comes to change, NASCAR can oftentimes move at a glacial pace.
Look at implementation of the double-file restart. How many years did it take before the sanctioning body finally approved it earlier this season?
And look at how the “wow” and excitement factor has grown from that. Fans, drivers and reporters almost all universally like the new rule.
Still, there’s no denying that it took a long time before NASCAR finally moved forward on bringing it to light.
That’s why I’m very happy to applaud NASCAR today on changes that were not delayed, were not the subject of countless meetings, and which came about in a most expedient manner.
I’m talking about the higher catch fencing (eight feet higher than previously), a significantly stronger material to further reinforce existing fencing, plus NASCAR will implement smaller restrictor plates that will cut 10-15 horsepower and slow cars down by close to 10 mph for this Sunday’s race at Talladega Superspeedway.
We all know the near-tragedy we almost had at ‘Dega the last time the Sprint Cup crowd visited there back in April. An airborne Carl Edwards almost got into the crowd, his self-destructing car rained debris upon seven fans (including one who suffered a broken jaw and had to have her mouth wired shut) and became proof positive that no matter how many strides NASCAR has made in the pursuit of safety in recent years, there was still a ways to go.
NASCAR didn’t hesitate to make improvements at Talladega. A combined effort between the sanctioning body, its speedway arm that owns ‘Dega (International Speedway Corp.), and the folks who actually operate the 2.66-mile track about 45 miles east of Birmingham, has resulted in a great enhancement in safety measures.
Similar improvements have been made to Daytona International Speedway, as well.
When we saw Edwards’ crash, we were almost all horrified, especially at the frightening way the catch fencing bent back so much. That only seven people were injured, only one seriously, wasn’t a near-miracle.
To think, it was only a few years ago that we both criticized and occasionally joked about how diehard – and usually drunk – fans would throw beer cans over the catch fence at ‘Dega in protest if Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn’t win, or someone narrowly beat him to the finish line.
Now, with the fence eight-feet higher, I’ll bet even most of the guys in the World Series couldn’t throw something over the ‘Dega frontstretch fencing. There may be some humor in that statement, but there’s also a lot of seriousness in it, as well.
Most importantly, thanks, NASCAR, for realizing just how serious a problem Talladega had and reacting to it promptly and correctly. Hopefully, we’ll see a very exciting and safe race Sunday – and we won’t have to worry any more about race cars getting up into the fencing, and almost into the stands – again.
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