SOFT WALLS READY FOR TESTING

SOFT WALLS READY FOR TESTING

From an interview with Bill Simpson

By Dennis Michelsen

Staff Columnist

July 27, 2000

Two weeks ago I wrote an article calling for track owners and NASCAR to fund research and development of soft wall technology. Fans have united to make their voices heard with several campaigns under way to affect change. I have continued to probe for more information on this subject talking to anyone who would take the time to answer my questions. I have some very good news to share with you today!

NASCAR has stubbed their foot a bit in the public relations department after the recent tragedy at New Hampshire International Speedway. The drivers and fans have both let their voices be heard by the governing body that the time for change is now. I truly believe that NASCAR is seriously interested in making improvements to racetrack safety. The best news of all is that one of the racing world's foremost authorities on safety technology, Bill Simpson, has been working on this problem for several years. Realizing that racetrack safety has lagged behind racecar safety over the years, Simpson Racing Products has designed a new safety wall system that is ready for testing.

Bill Simpson has made developing practical and useful safety equipment for racing his life's work. I was quite impressed that Mr. Simpson would take time out of his busy schedule to return a call from a peon like me looking for information! I got the opportunity to ask many of the questions that the fans wanted answered. "NASCAR is very concerned about this," said Mr. Simpson, "I assure you that when something happens they are on it." I was happy to hear that Simpson Racing Products has been researching this problem for several years. This has resulted in a system that is simple yet most likely effective while eliminating the negatives such as lengthy cleanup associated with typical soft wall barriers. NASCAR has asked Simpson to bring sections of this safety wall system to Indianapolis next week for evaluation.

The Simpson Racing Products soft wall is constructed out of foam and board materials wrapped in strong heavy-duty nylon. It comes in sections that are easy to install on existing track walls and could even be transported from track to track for each event if NASCAR chooses. Since the nylon keeps the foam from exploding all over the track surface that eliminates lengthy cleanup. Also, because of the ease of installation it can be quickly replaced after a crash during a race. "You could easily change six to eight segments of this wall as quick as it takes to clean up an oil spill after the wreck," said Mr. Simpson. The cost is relatively inexpensive as well with a mile track like NHIS completely outfitted for less than $400,000. Outfitting "problem areas" of a track rather than the whole circumference could reduce the cost even further. "The key at a flat track like New Hampshire is the first 800-1200 feet going into turns one and three," said Mr. Simpson. The question remains will the system work? The best way to answer that is on-track testing and the results from tracks using old-fashioned foam blocks is encouraging.

Flemington Speedway in New Jersey has hosted many forms of racing for years and added foam blocks in 1991. I asked Public Relations Director Wendy Kennedy about their use of the foam blocks and was told the installation occurred two weeks after a series of horrible crashes when the track switched to asphalt. The speeds of the super modifieds had increased quite a bit and Ray Evernham was among the drivers seriously injured. Track officials decided they had to take action right away. "We talked to crew chiefs and drivers," said Ms. Kennedy, "and driver Kevin Collins suggested we try foam blocks." Shortly after installing the foam Joe Gosek tested them in a horrific accident. "Joe thought he was going to die. He not only walked away from the crash but came back to finish in the top five in the feature that same night," said Ms. Kennedy. The super modifieds often reach speeds in excess of 140 mph and have extensively "tested" the soft walls with no serious injuries!

There is no doubt in my mind that the foam safety wall system developed by Simpson Racing Products deserves an extensive test. The system is affordable and is also quick to fix after a wreck. But here's a crazy idea, why not get a company to SPONSOR the safety walls! In a sport that has an "official corn dog of NASCAR" surely some sponsor would love to be called "the official safety wall provider of NASCAR". Linda Maddox, a concerned fan from Northwest Indiana, started a campaign to get the sponsors involved in getting NASCAR to move quickly on soft wall technology. Linda developed a web site called "Fans for Safer Racetracks". Perhaps we can ask Linda to include the soft wall sponsorship idea in her campaign to the sponsors! Together the fans and drivers voices are being heard! Let's hope that NASCAR invests in testing this technology to make the racetracks safer!

Dennis Michelsen is a Staff Columnist at Frontstretch.com. His regular columns appear right here every Tuesday and Thursday.

You can leave a message on the Message Boards or email him at dennis@frontstretch.com