Talladega Superspeedway will become the latest NASCAR track to add SAFER barriers.
The 2.66-mile oval will put new energy-absorbing walls in three locations: the inside wall at the entrance to the pits and along the inside walls of Turn 1 and Turn 3. The upgrade will be completed before its May 1-3 weekend, which will feature NASCAR Sprint Cup and Xfinity races.
“We are committed to making Talladega Superspeedway a safe environment for drivers as well as our fans,” Talladega Superspeedway chairman Grant Lynch said in a release. “Safety is our top priority and we will continue to collaborate with ISC, NASCAR and ARCA on any future safety enhancements.”
Several speedways have undergone safety reviews since Kyle Busch suffered a compound fracture of his right leg and fractured left foot after hitting an unprotected wall in the Xfinity season opener Feb. 21 at Daytona International Speedway.
Last week, Daytona announced its plans for more SAFER barriers when NASCAR returns in July.
Charlotte Motor Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Kentucky Speedway already had planned to add more sections of SAFER this season before Busch’s crash.
NASCAR’s Xfinity and Sprint Cup series will race this weekend at Auto Club Speedway, which has added tire barriers and will begin work on adding SAFER barriers to its frontstretch and backstretch after the races.