SAFER 2 installed at IMS

[Jim Wilke]

Installation of the second generation of the revolutionary energy-absorbing SAFER Barrier is nearing completion at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Speedway crews have replaced the original Steel and Foam Energy Reduction (SAFER) Barrier on the outside retaining wall of the Speedway oval’s four turns with a “Version 2” of the barrier. The total length of the SAFER Barrier on the outside retaining wall is 5,056 feet.

The Version 2 SAFER Barrier features four major improvements: Curved barrier sections, a universal energy-absorbing foam shape, improved attachment points and an added steel tube to the barrier's exterior.

IMS

[hotdog1]

Thank God that NASCAR has kept on developing the SAFER Barrier to make those INDYCAR drivers safer!

[sightlines]

I wonder if one of the "improvements" is to extend the barrier back from T1 to prevent a Ralph Schumacher type back breaker ala 2004? Because they run that section backwards the safer was of no help for the F1.

[roach]

Thank God that NASCAR has kept on developing the SAFER Barrier to make those INDYCAR drivers safer!

Not to say that Nascar developed it, but how many of the current tracks that the IRL races at (outside of IMS) would have the SAFER system in place were it not for Nascar demanding it?

I wonder if one of the "improvements" is to extend the barrier back from T1 to prevent a Ralph Schumacher type back breaker ala 2004? Because they run that section backwards the safer was of no help for the F1.

Yes - it was extended 200' further into the frontstretch.

jcr

[sightlines]

Thanks jcroche, very informative.

[Ken-Paul]

I was pleased to read this in the article:

"Drivers sometimes encounter a secondary impact along the inside retaining wall, after making the harder initial contact with the SAFER Barrier lining the outside wall. So the Version 1 SAFER Barrier removed from the outside walls was installed along the inside wall to provide even more protection for drivers."

[Toonces]

200' into the front stretch. Does that change the set up for IndyCars' set up Turn 1? It seems there's a bit of wall hugging in entrance and exit to maximize speed and while it may only be a foot or so, wouldn't that change the dynamics a bit?

[dreamracer]

to safety advances...

always great to hear.

[AlJRFAN]

Judging by the photos, the turn will be altered slightly.

[JBaiza]

Now I can blame Tony George for the demise of the Version 1 SAFER Barrier.

[Ken-Paul]

Originally posted by JBaiza
Now I can blame Tony George for the demise of the Version 1 SAFER Barrier.

Darn that Tony George.

ISC Motorsports just finished installing the first version of this safety innovation at all their tracks and now thanks to him, it is already obsolete!

Well at least NASCAR will have state-of-the-art at one of their venues this year.

[Doc Austin]

Originally posted by JBaiza
Now I can blame Tony George for the demise of the Version 1 SAFER Barrier.

The version keeps changing, doesn't it?

[ErwinRommel]

Originally posted by sightlines
I wonder if one of the "improvements" is to extend the barrier back from T1 to prevent a Ralph Schumacher type back breaker ala 2004? Because they run that section backwards the safer was of no help for the F1.

I hope so. Lets also hope they spring for an ambulance that gets there faster.

[shawn67]

Originally posted by ErwinRommel
I hope so. Lets also hope they spring for an ambulance that gets there faster.

Erwin:

You do know of course that IMS had NOTHING to do with the cluster**** that occured at USGP right?

Shawn

[happyscrappy-t]

Originally posted by Doc Austin
The version keeps changing, doesn't it?

smart@ss

[Doc Austin]

Originally posted by ErwinRommel
I hope so. Lets also hope they spring for an ambulance that gets there faster.

That was the F-1 safety crew that forgot to show up at the USGP.

By contrast, when Buddy Rice blew over (IIRC, Chicago), the IRL saftey crew had positionsed themselves to where Rice slid to a stop mere feet way from them.

[dog-ring]

Originally posted by ErwinRommel
I hope so. Lets also hope they spring for an ambulance that gets there faster.

You do understand that F-1 dispatches the Safety car when THEY feel it's the appropiate time don't you? IMS has nothing to do with that call. If it had been called by the IRLs Race Control or Safety teams they would have rolLed before Ralph had stopped rollling.
Blame that on F-1s antiquated Safety RULES..................

[AlJRFAN]

Or the fact that they wouldnt let the ambulence go backwards around the track so the (1 f1 ambulence) had to drive the entire circuit!

[Doc Austin]

Originally posted by AlJRFAN
Or the fact that they wouldnt let the ambulence go backwards around the track so the (1 f1 ambulence) had to drive the entire circuit!

They wouldn't let the fire truck go around the Zandvoort circuit backwards when they were only 100 feet away from Roger Williamson and he ended up burning to death because of it.

[AlJRFAN]

I would believe that, why they have the rule is beyond me.