NASCAR's NextGen car has seen its fair share of crashes, but the incident involving Christopher Bell at Michigan International Speedway stands out as particularly harrowing. The crash, which occurred on Lap 148, resulted in a 21-minute SAFER Barrier repair and a secondary impact when Chase Elliott came back up the track into the left side of Bell's car. This incident has sparked discussions about the car's safety and the metrics used to measure the severity of crashes.
According to communications executive Mike Forde, Bell's impact was the worst since the NextGen car debuted in 2022, and possibly the worst dating back to 2015. The crash was measured using Delta-v, which measures the change in velocity. Forde confirmed that it was the largest number they've seen in the NextGen era, but declined to disclose the specific Delta-v number, citing proprietary data.
The concept of Delta-v is distinct from impact in GS (G-forces). Vice President of Safety Engineering John Patalak explained that Delta-v measures the change in velocity, while G-forces measure acceleration. He used the example of coming to a stop on a stop sign on I-85 in five seconds versus hitting a wall and going from 60 to 0 in .1 second, both resulting in the same Delta-v but different peak G-forces. Harper added that peak G-forces are important, but the length of time spent at high G-forces is crucial for injury potential.
The crash also raised questions about the head surround foam, which played a crucial role in supporting Bell during the incident. Forde mentioned that they are studying the type of foam used, its softness, and thickness to ensure it meets the necessary safety standards. The team also conducted a safety review of the car and the SAFER Barrier immediately after the crash.
Bell suffered a fracture of his left wrist and undisclosed ankle injuries but has been cleared to compete this weekend at Pocono Raceway. The process of clearing him to race involves a collaboration between his personal physicians and the team's medical team, ensuring that he meets the necessary safety criteria. This incident highlights the importance of comprehensive safety measures in motorsports and the ongoing efforts to improve the safety of racing vehicles.
