What safety features are used in NASCAR cars? All you need to know

NASCAR drivers consistently demonstrate their abilities on the track, pushing their cars to their maximum potential each week. These race cars are meticulously designed for peak performance, durability, and speed. However, as these vehicles reach speeds surpassing 210 mph during competition, the risk of serious accidents becomes a significant concern.

NASCAR places the safety of its drivers at the forefront, equipping cars with cutting-edge safety systems designed to protect drivers during accidents or on-track incidents. Additionally, NASCAR enforces strict rules and guidelines for every race car, ensuring compliance through thorough pre-race inspections.

The feature considered the most important is the roll cage, which is a system of tubes surrounding the driver that essentially absorbs the force of an impact during a race. The roll cage helps redirect the force away from the driver. Another important safety feature is the driver's seat, which is made of carbon fiber, and custom-designed for each driver to make them fit into it like a glove. This helps minimize momentum in their bodies in case of an on-track incident.

Additionally, the Head and Neck Support (HANS) system, which is crucial for driver safety, prevents head and neck injuries by stabilizing the head during sudden impacts or abrupt stops. Roof flaps, located on the car's roof and hood, are another vital feature designed to prevent vehicles from becoming airborne or flipping over, as seen in recent incidents with Spire Motorsports' Corey LaJoie and Stewart-Haas Racing's Josh Berry. These flaps deploy automatically when a car spins, disrupting airflow and keeping the vehicle grounded, thereby preventing potential disasters.

Outside the car, SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) barriers play a key role in crash safety. These barriers are designed to absorb the impact of a collision, reducing the force and preventing cars from bouncing back into oncoming traffic. This technology significantly minimizes injuries to both drivers and spectators, enhancing the overall safety of the sport.

These safety measures help protect drivers from physical injury, preventing disastrous events. Furthermore, the presence of such measures provides a psychological safety net for drivers, enabling them to focus more on showcasing their skills and contributing to exciting and competitive racing.

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NASCAR Executive sheds light on recently announced schedule for the 2025 campaign

NASCAR recently announced the schedule for the 2025 season, featuring an international event in Mexico. The Cup and Xfinity Series races will be held at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City.

Chief Venue & Racing Innovations Officer Ben Kennedy expressed his views on the newly released schedule through a press release. (via Forbes)

“It’s no secret we’ve been bullish about growing Nascar beyond our borders, and the 2025 schedule is an important and thrilling first milestone in that journey. In addition to racing in Mexico, we’ve been able to bring back more historic and fan-favorite venues for the first time in decades across our national series," he said.

“Not only will this combination of venues maintain the high levels of excitement and anticipation for NASCAR racing, but it also delivers one of the most diverse and challenging schedules anywhere in motorsports,” he added.

Another notable change in the schedule is the return of the Bowman Gray Stadium after more than fifty years, scheduled to host the pre-season Clash.