Transportable SAFER Barriers?

Joel asks:

Can racetracks work together to make interchangeable/transportable SAFER barriers? To clarify – could SMI or ISC tracks (politics, blah) standardize wall heights, angles, etc. so that they could use barriers at Michigan to fill in the critical areas and then move the necessary walls to Darlington or Homestead? Or even simpler – could the existing walls be setup to install barriers that could be moved from track to track? In the long term I know this is probably not the most cost effective solution. But in the short-term if there are supply problems or significant cost barriers, I thought this could help?

Thanks for the question, Joel. (And apologies for taking so long to get to answering it.)

Installing SAFER barriers is a little more complex than installing a fence in your yard. SAFER barriers are custom manufactured for each section of the track taking into account the wall height, width and condition, the track banking and width. Even putting aside track politics, having a system of barriers versatile enough that they could move from Michigan to Darlington and be equally effective in both places would probably be cost and time prohibitive. You’d need a dedicated crew of people moving from track to track, trucks to transport the barriers and a procedure in place to inspect and qualify each piece after each race.

Standardizing wall heights could be more expensive and time consuming that it’s worth. Each track has its unique geometry and trying to make a one-size-fits-all barrier might be more trouble than it’s worth — and not as effective as just installing barriers.

Plus, if an area of the track is dangerous, it’s not just dangerous during NASCAR races. No track is going to claim they can’t afford to put more barriers in – especially after Kyle Busch’s accident. And although they do take time to manufacture, there are a growing number of companies certified to fabricate, install and maintain the barriers.

But you’d think there would be a better temporary alternative than a bunch of tires, right?

One of the things the SAFER group was thinking about last time I talked to them was a transportable version of the barrier that could be used for street courses. It’s a formidable challenge. The current barriers are fastened to the track wall, which is pretty firmly in place. How would you anchor something to a street in such a way that it would stay in place, but could be removed without significant damage to the road/sidewalk/parking lot?

Another problem that I haven’t really heard talked about is that it’s impossible to line a track with SAFER barriers inside and out. Emergency vehicles must have free and immediate access to the track (and a way out) when needed. The SAFER group also has investigated hinged barrier that could open and close, but developing a hinge that can take a direct hit from a 200-mph racecar and still open easily is a pretty stout challenge as well.

It all goes back to what I tell Moody (it seems) every week. If it were simple, they’d have already done it.

Thanks again for the question!