Now some might have the illusion that the catch-fence separating them from the track will stop debris from wrecked cars or even the cars themselves from reaching the stands, but those of us who have been around the sport long enough know that it will never be 100% safe. I remember when the fans were killed at Michigan International Speedway back in 1998 during an IRL race. I remember because I sat very near to that same spot for a NASCAR race. I also know that as these tragedies occur, NASCAR and the tracks take steps to make it safer for us. Mind you, they make it SAFER but never 100% safe. That is impossible.
Photo is from ISportsTimes.com
My heart aches for those fans at the Daytona Nationwide Series race yesterday, 2/23/2013. As I watched Kyle Larson's car ricochet off the catch-fence and debris fly into the stands, I knew someone was going to be hurt. Ironically, I didn't think about the drivers. I know that for the most part, NASCAR has seen to it that they are safe. Sure, odd things happen, but not this time. This time, it was the 28 injured fans that held my attention along with the gaping whole in the steel cabled catch fence, the burning engine caught in that fence, the wheel assemblies that flew into the stands and the frantic fans calling for help for the fallen. It was just unbelievable.
It could have been my friends, family or even myself sitting in those seats. I have not developed a fear of going back this year. I know the risks and I know that NASCAR and the tracks will learn through this tragedy and they'll work to make us, the fans, safer.
But remember, I take risks strapping into my car and traversing the highways of this country. If I was ever asked, I would easily say I feel safer sitting at a NASCAR race than I do behind the wheel of my own passenger car.
Prayers and thoughts to those who were injured and here's to a speedy recovery.
