The Crashes in NASCAR
Crashes are always a risk in NASCAR racing; auto racing is an inherently dangerous sport, after all. While everyone acknowledges this risk; it isn’t at all uncommon for there to be at least one crash in any given NASCAR race. Some NASCAR racetracks are notoriously dangerous, with there being an uncommonly high incidence of crashes, even fatal ones at these venues. While some enjoy the sport despite the risk of accidents, others are actually drawn to NASCAR at least in part because of the crashes.
As has always been the case in auto racing of any sort, there are a significant number of fans who are in it for the crashes. They thrill to the speed and the crashes and near-crashes; it’s a drama which keeps them on the edge of their seats. However, crashes aren’t actually a good thing for NASCAR’s popularity over the long run – crashes can and have lead to the deaths of drivers and even fans.
Over the last decade NASCAR has instituted a variety of safety precautions intended to improve the injury and death rate in the sport. This was largely a reaction out of necessity after the most popular driver in the sport, Dale Earnhardt, died in a crash at NASCAR’s biggest and most signature event, the Daytona 500. Some of these changes include advanced head and neck stabilizers, increased wall protection and padding and a complete redesign of the car itself.
However the car itself being redesigned has created more problems as well. Drivers who spent their life learning the subtleties of one kind of car now have to forget those and learn a completely new set of tactics. At the speeds these cars reach and on the crowded tracks they race on, reactions have to be instantaneous and even the smallest of movements or changes in the aerodynamics of the car can produce serious changes in outcome.
While the safety measures that the organization now requires are a welcome development which has certainly saved lives, NASCAR still has a way to go to minimize the risk to drivers and spectators at their events. Many NASCAR drivers have voiced the opinion that it’s only a matter of time until there are more deaths of drivers or fans; and that the organization should take action before tragedy strikes rather than in response to such a disaster.
At one recent event, a car flipped and flew into the fence which separated the spectators from the track itself. Fortunately the car did not breach the fence and there were no fatalities, but flying debris did cause many minor injuries in the stands. It was an incredibly close call; one which came very close to being a catastrophe.
Despite deaths, injuries and countless close calls, NASCAR racing is as popular as ever, with races regularly sold out – and many fans crowding to the front so as not to miss any crashes. NASCAR should act now to make their races as safe as humanly possible for both competitors and spectators; before more lives are lost, not after. Even though there are those NASCAR fans that live for the crashes, no one should have to die for the sake of an entertaining spectacle. One disaster could deal a blow to the sport which it could take a long time to recover from; if indeed it could come back from another serious tragedy.
