NASCAR: Texas adds additional tire barriers, Bristol adds to SAFER

Texas Motor Speedway, following the recommendations and guidance of NASCAR officials, completed a two-day installation project Wednesday to add 250 feet of tire barriers in preparation for next week's Duck Commander 500 NASCAR double-header weekend.

The tire bundles were added to five inner wall areas of the 1.5-mile oval per the instruction of NASCAR as to the specific locations, length of runs and general construction of the safety addition. The inner wall at the exit of pit lane was the most wide-ranging area with 115 feet of tire bundles while areas near pit lane entry, the jet truck staging area in Turn 1 and emergency vehicle cut-out areas in turns 1 and 4 varied between 30 and 35 feet each. Approximately 450 tires were used in constructing the barriers, which will complement the existing, extensive SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) barrier system that encompasses the majority of the walls.

"NASCAR officials were here last Sunday and examined the speedway," Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage said. "We always follow their advice on safety matters, but they requested we only add 250 feet of tire barriers. Considering that the inside wall and outside walls total almost 16,000 feet, adding 250 feet of tire packs is a minor addition. To me, that means NASCAR found the track to be extremely safe."

The tire bundles, which consist of a combination of racing and street tires, are bolted together using heavy-duty nuts, bolts and washers. The tires are secured to the wall with a 3/8-inch cable that runs through the top row of tires of each tire bundle as well as cable clamps that are also used on the speedway's wheel fence. The purpose of the cable is to minimize the tires becoming dislodged should they be heavily impacted.

Meanwhile, Bristol Motor Speedway announced the additional installation of SAFER barrier walls.

"The safety of our fans and competitors continues to be a focal point for Bristol Motor Speedway," said Jerry Caldwell, executive vice president and general manager for Bristol Motor Speedway. "SMI engineers and NASCAR re-evaluated the track and made additional recommendations. We've been able to secure an additional 600 feet of SAFER barriers and will complete the build out of the front and backstretch outside walls before the Food City 500 race weekend."