NASCAR Daytona Drama: At Daytona International Speedway, Ryan Preece’s harrowing crash during the 2023 regular-season finale highlighted NASCAR’s strong focus on driver safety. His No. 41 Ford Mustang somersaulted multiple times in the air, prompting debate about maintaining the grass on the speedway’s backstretch. A recent upload on IMSA’s Twitter hinted at backstretch changes, potentially involving the removal of grass—a move not officially confirmed by NASCAR.
The incident occurred during the Coke Zero Sugar 400’s last laps, leading to Preece’s ambulance evacuation to Halifax Medical Center. NASCAR’s commitment to safety, amplified since Dale Earnhardt’s tragic 2001 Daytona accident, prompted discussions on potential track alterations following Preece’s crash.
Elton Sawyer, NASCAR’s VP of Competition, addressed potential changes, including evaluating barriers, tire packs, and surface areas for safety improvements during a SiriusXM NASCAR Radio conversation. Denny Hamlin from Joe Gibbs Racing expressed concern over the grass, suggesting it exacerbated Preece’s already airborne state, leading to severe car rotations.
The crash, involving Next-Gen cars weighing about 3,500 pounds, initiated NASCAR’s contemplation of various safety enhancements, such as roof hatch, window, and roll bar padding adjustments. Hamlin emphasized the grass’s impact on the vehicle’s behavior mid-air, influencing its violent rotations.
Recent footage from Daytona Speedway indicates alterations to the backstretch, showcasing NASCAR’s proactive stance in improving safety measures. Preece’s survival, despite the intense crash, highlights NASCAR’s unwavering dedication to driver safety.
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