NASCAR's NextGen car has been in the spotlight following a recent crash involving Christopher Bell, which resulted in the hardest impact in the car's four-plus-year history. The incident, which occurred during the NASCAR Cup Series at Michigan International Speedway, involved Chase Elliott breaking traction and sliding into Bell, causing a 21-minute SAFER Barrier repair. The crash was measured using Delta-v, a measure of speed lost in an incident, and was confirmed to be the largest number seen in the Next Gen era by Mike Forde, a communications executive at NASCAR.
The impact was so severe that it prompted a thorough safety review of the car, with a focus on the head surround foam. Forde noted that the thickness of the head surround is crucial, and that the foam used by Bell was measured for its softness and thickness. This incident highlights the importance of safety in NASCAR, as it is a high-speed sport with a risk of serious injury.
The crash also brought attention to the use of Delta-v as a measure of impact severity. John Patalak, vice president of safety engineering, explained that Delta-v is a change in velocity, and that it is often used in conjunction with peak G, which is the highest value of acceleration during a crash. Harper, NASCAR's managing director of safety systems, added that the length of time spent at a high G level is also important when considering injury potential.
The incident has sparked discussions about the safety of the NextGen car and the importance of continuous improvement in safety measures. Forde emphasized that NASCAR is committed to updating the rule book as they learn more about the car's performance and safety features. The crash also led to a safety review of Bell's car, with a focus on the head surround foam and the overall safety of the vehicle.
In conclusion, the crash involving Christopher Bell has raised important questions about the safety of the NextGen car and the importance of continuous improvement in safety measures. NASCAR is taking steps to address these concerns and ensure the safety of its drivers and fans. The incident also highlights the need for thorough safety reviews and the importance of measuring impact severity using Delta-v.
