PIR will work with NASCAR to enhance 'impact-absorbing technologies'
Phoenix International Raceway, which will host the second leg of NASCAR's West Coast trip, announced Wednesday that it will install a tire barrier in time for next weekend's tripleheader.
"Following a review of the existing safety barriers at Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) with ISC and NASCAR officials, PIR will supplement its existing barrier system," Phoenix International Raceway President Bryan Sperber said in a statement released by the track. "A new tire pack barrier will be installed along the interior wall of Turn 4 in advance of the CampingWorld.com 500 race weekend."
After this weekend's races in the top two national series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and before those series head to Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, Phoenix will host the NASCAR Mexico Series Toyota 120 season opener on March 13, the NASCAR XFINITY Series Axalta Faster. Tougher. Brighter. 200 (March 14, 4 p.m. ET, FOX) and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series CampingWorld.com 500 (March 15, 3:30 p.m. ET, FOX).
The facility will host the penultimate race weekend for all three of NASCAR's national series in November, and Sperber noted his team will work with NASCAR to further its safety efforts.
"The additional protective barrier represents PIR’s ongoing commitment to providing a safe racing environment for its drivers, teams and fans," Sperber said in the statement. "PIR will continue to work in tandem with NASCAR to expedite the adoption of additional impact-absorbing technologies, as deemed necessary, at our facility."