Daytona Speedway Enhancements: Daytona International Speedway, Florida, underwent a significant safety upgrade following a harrowing crash involving Cup Series driver Ryan Preece earlier this year.
In August’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 race, Preece, driving the No. 41 Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing, encountered a distressing incident with just six laps remaining. His car lost control, possibly due to a nudge, veering towards the infield and colliding with teammate Chase Briscoe’s No. 14.
The impact sent Preece’s No. 41 airborne, somersaulting numerous times before finally landing upright and catching fire.
Prompt medical assistance was deployed, attending to Preece, who emerged from the wreckage with aid and was subsequently taken to the infield care center.
In response to this incident, Daytona International Speedway has taken proactive safety measures by paving the section of the backstretch where Preece’s car became airborne.
The focus of this newly paved area is specifically on the entrance to the bus stop in the track’s 12-turn, 3.56-mile road course configuration. This renovation was timed to be completed ahead of an IMSA test held this month at the Speedway.
A NASCAR representative emphasized the collaborative effort involving the Speedway, NASCAR officials, and drivers behind this paving project. They highlighted the extension of the paved section, ensuring racing integrity within the chicane area while underscoring the continuous prioritization of safety measures at the Speedway.
Post the crash, Preece, after receiving hospital care overnight, made a swift return to the track at Darlington Speedway the following week. However, his season’s journey did not see him qualifying for the playoffs, ending winless in 23rd place in the Cup Series standings for Stewart-Haas Racing.
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Our Reader’s Queries
When was Daytona Speedway renovated?
In 2013, the “Daytona Rising” project began with the goal of revamping the frontstretch seating and removing the backstretch seating. The Barton Malow Company and Rossetti Architects teamed up to complete the renovation, which took three years and cost $400 million. The project was finished in January 2016, providing a modern and updated experience for fans.
How did they build Daytona Speedway?
Construction of the 2.5-mile (4.0 km) speedway began on November 25, 1957. The tri-oval design boasted 18 degree banking at the start line and a staggering 31 degree banking in the turns. To achieve this high level of banking, crews had to excavate millions of tons of soil from the track’s infield.
How deep is the lake at Daytona Speedway?
Camping in the infield comes with a major perk – the Lake is teeming with thousands of fish. With a depth of up to sixty feet, it’s the perfect spot for waterski shows. Copyrighted by Nexstar Media Inc.
What is NASCAR Speedweeks?
AdventHealth’s Daytona Speedweek is a thrilling series of racing events held at the Daytona International Speedway every January and February. This high-octane extravaganza is a must-see for all racing enthusiasts, featuring a range of exciting competitions that are sure to get your heart racing. From high-speed races to nail-biting finishes, Daytona Speedweek has it all. So, gear up and get ready to witness some of the most exhilarating racing action around!
