Bristol, Michigan adding SAFER barrier for races

Both tracks plan to expand their use of Steel and Foam Energy Reduction (SAFER) barrier over existing concrete retaining walls. Bristol opens its doors for NASCAR on-track activity April 16-19; Michigan’s opening NASCAR race weekend is scheduled for mid-June.

Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager for Bristol Motor Speedway, said that the track has secured an additional 600 feet of SAFER barrier, which will completely cover the outside retaining wall at the .533-mile track. Caldwell said in a statement provided by the track that the construction was based on recommendations from parent company Speedway Motorsports Inc., and NASCAR.

“The safety of our fans and competitors continues to be a focal point for Bristol Motor Speedway,” Caldwell said.

Officials at MIS, which ranks among the fastest tracks that NASCAR visits, said that the 2-mile speedway will add SAFER barrier to the inside retaining walls at pit road’s entrance and exit. The track will also install tire-pack barriers along the angled wall inside the D-shaped oval’s first turn.

Michigan also plans to pave the infield near pit road exit in an effort to slow skidding cars in the event of a crash. The newly paved area will also house an entrance and exit for the pace car.

“The safety of our guests, competitors and staff is our number one priority,” said track president Roger Curtis. “We will continue to review our facility and provide updates as circumstances warrant.”

Track officials said work will be completed before Michigan hosts the NASCAR Sprint Cup and XFINITY Series June 12-14. After the track’s second NASCAR weekend Aug. 14-16, the track plans to add SAFER barrier to the outside retaining walls on the frontstretch and backstretch, plus the wall separating pit road from the frontstretch infield grass, before the 2016 season.

Four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon, who hit a wall without a SAFER barrier at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the second race of the season, tweeted his approval of the addition at Bristol.

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