ISC working on 'significant plan' for safety barriers

John Saunders, ISC president, said in a statement that the project will focus first on its two largest tracks — 2.66-mile Talladega Superspeedway and 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway, where Kyle Busch’s severe crash and resulting injuries during last Saturday’s NASCAR XFINITY Series race renewed the focus on safety measures.

In a statement provided by ISC, Saunders said the plan would emphasize “the installation of additional impact-absorbing technologies including but not limited to SAFER barriers (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction). We will utilize all available tools to ensure the safety of the drivers and our fans. It will remain our top priority.”

Saunders also indicated that a “thorough review of our other ISC facilities will continue with the focus to prioritize each track’s most critical areas first.” That focus will become sharper at the next ISC tracks hosting Sprint Cup and other NASCAR national series events — one-mile Phoenix International Raceway, March 13-15; and two-mile Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, March 20-22.

“ISC is working very closely with NASCAR and industry experts to identify areas for additional safety protections,” Saunders said. “As we finalize our plans, we will communicate them to the drivers and necessary stakeholders ahead of our races at each ISC facility.”

Daytona International Speedway President Joie Chitwood III emphatically said Saturday, hours after Busch’s crash, that his track would expand its use of impact-absorbing protective barriers. On Monday, Talladega and Kentucky Speedway followed suit with their plans, followed a day later by Atlanta Motor Speedway, site of this weekend’s tripleheader for all three NASCAR national series.

The Auto Club track expanded its use of energy-absorbing walls ahead of its 2014 race, after Denny Hamlin suffered a broken back when his car hit an unprotected concrete retaining wall the year before. The inside-wall area of Turn 4, just ahead of the pit road entrance, is now covered with SAFER barriers.

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