The issue of airborne cars continues to trouble NASCAR, especially at superspeedways like Daytona and Talladega. Denny Hamlin believes safety should not overshadow the thrill of racing, while Kyle Busch criticizes the sanctioning body’s delayed response to safety concerns after Ryan Preece’s crash. As NASCAR introduces new innovations like the A-post flap to improve stability, the debate over safety versus competition intensifies. What do drivers really think about these changes, and how will they impact the future of the sport?
Key Highlights
- Drivers express mixed feelings about safety measures, balancing competitive racing thrills with concerns over airborne incidents.
- Denny Hamlin emphasizes that reducing speed could compromise the excitement that fans expect from races.
- Kyle Busch criticizes NASCAR’s slow response to safety concerns following recent crashes, highlighting the need for timely innovations.
- The introduction of the A-post flap aims to improve stability during spins, with positive feedback from initial tests.
- Continuous driver input and race data monitoring are vital for assessing the effectiveness of new safety features and enhancing driver protection.
Safety Concerns: NASCAR’s Ongoing Struggles with Airborne Cars
Although NASCAR has implemented substantial safety measures since the introduction of roof flaps in 1994, the persistent issue of cars becoming airborne at high speeds remains a significant concern, particularly at superspeedways like Daytona and Talladega.
Despite advancements in safety technology, including improved aerodynamic design and regulatory changes, incidents like Ryan Preece’s terrifying flip highlight the limitations of current measures.
Driver feedback plays a crucial role in evaluating safety, yet opinions diverge; while some, like Preece, express grave concerns, others, such as veteran Denny Hamlin, argue that airborne cars are not a priority.
This ongoing debate emphasizes the complexity of balancing competition and safety, revealing that crash analysis and continuous innovation in safety protocols are fundamental for the sport’s future integrity.
Denny Hamlin’s Controversial Take on Safety and Racing Excitement
The ongoing debate surrounding NASCAR’s safety measures has intensified with Denny Hamlin’s recent comments regarding the airborne car issue.
Hamlin’s assertion that grounding cars should not dominate safety priorities reflects a prevalent driver mentality that prioritizes racing thrills over potential dangers. He contends that at high speeds and specific angles, cars are predisposed to flip, implying that a reduction in speed could diminish the competitive edge that fans expect.
“I don’t know, it’s going to be really hard to keep them on the ground just because, I mean, any kind of certain speed and certain angles, things are going to fly.”
“I haven’t seen that many bad injuries from flips. You know, I get it, we don’t want them to go up in the fence, but I just don’t think it’s making the racing not quite as good as slowing down running the speeds that we’re running, and we’re doing that essentially to try to keep the cars on the ground, but it’s, to me, I wouldn’t put it on a high priority.” – Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin isn’t took concerned about NASCAR and whether it can make an aero change to potentially keep cars from flipping. He explains why. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/aTagQJFv6T
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 27, 2025
This perspective sharply contrasts with the concerns raised by fellow drivers like Ryan Preece, who emphasizes the urgent need for safety improvements following traumatic incidents.
“When the car took off, I got real quiet, all I thought about was my daughter.”
“I don’t know what the right thing to say right now is, but I think the thing I want to say as a father, as a racer is we keep beating on a door, hoping for a different result. And I think we know where there’s a problem at superspeedways, so I don’t want to be the example when [death] finally does get somebody.” – Ryan Preece
The tension between maintaining thrilling racing and ensuring driver safety demonstrates the complex dynamics NASCAR faces in addressing fan expectations while safeguarding its competitors.
Kyle Busch Criticizes NASCAR’s Delay in Safety Feature Implementation
Frustration permeated the NASCAR community as Kyle Busch publicly criticized the sanctioning body for its sluggish response to pressing safety concerns.
Following Ryan Preece’s harrowing crash, NASCAR’s delayed implementation of a new safety feature—a flap on the A-post—left drivers questioning the organization’s responsiveness to critical driver safety issues.
Busch expressed his disappointment that NASCAR did not utilize the flap, which could improve car stability during spins by up to 50%, particularly in high-speed race track conditions.
“I think they tested it at Michigan, and I’m pretty sure greenhouses aren’t that easy to make and are very expensive – probably one of the more expensive body parts that these cars have. So, you know, you would like to have anything like that as soon as you possibly could get it and have it on the race car, especially coming to places like this. So I would agree with the sentiment that, yeah, it’s a little disappointing we don’t have it yet if it’s a safety feature for us.” – Kyle Busch
With previous tests of shark fins yielding limited safety feature effectiveness, Busch emphasized the urgent need for proactive measures.
His comments reflect a growing concern among drivers regarding NASCAR’s commitment to ensuring their safety amid escalating risks on the track.
NASCAR’s Efforts to Improve Safety and the Future of the New Flap
As NASCAR confronts the challenge of airborne cars, the introduction of a new safety feature—a flap on the A-post—is ready to improve driver safety during high-speed spins. The flap aims to boost aerodynamic stability, thereby reducing the likelihood of flips.
NASCAR introduces a new A-post flap to enhance driver safety and reduce airborne incidents during high-speed spins.
Although it will not debut at Talladega, initial tests at Michigan have garnered positive driver feedback, suggesting potential for future innovations.
News In Brief: NASCAR’s Airborne Car Issue
The ongoing issue of airborne cars in NASCAR highlights the delicate balance between safety and the thrill of racing. Drivers like Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch have voiced concerns regarding the efficacy and timeliness of safety innovations. While NASCAR is actively working on solutions, including the new flap design, the urgency for improved safety measures remains paramount. As the sport evolves, addressing these risks will be essential in ensuring the well-being of its athletes and preserving the integrity of the competition.
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