When NASCAR drivers roll into Dover later this week, they find a slightly safer track to race on.
Dover International Speedway officials say they’ve added nearly 500 feet of new SAFER barrier walls to the track since last fall’s race weekend.
SAFER barrier walls better absorb the energy released when a car hits it, reducing the impact on the car and driver and making it less likely the car bounces back into the track.
The majority of the new walls – just over 400 feet – were added by the entrance into Turn 3 near the Monster Bridge. Another nearly 80 feet were added to the existing inside backstretch wall. The new walls are all 40 inches high.
Pit road has also been reconfigured. By eliminating three pit stalls, the remaining 40 are now each 34 feet - 2 feet longer than before. They remain 16 feet wide.
This weekend’s spring NASCAR to Dover visit features three races: Friday’s Camping World Truck Series event, Saturday’s XFINITY Series race and Sunday’s Sprint Cup “AAA 400 Drive for Autism."
