SAFER data being analyzed NASCAR is awaiting results from a critical test of the Steel And Foam Energy Reduction [SAFER] barrier on a replica of a Richmond International Raceway wall. Positive results could lead to the installation of the SAFER barrier at RIR this season. The test, which involved crashing a Winston Cup car into an RIR-style wall fitted with a SAFER barrier, took place late Wednesday afternoon at the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility in Lincoln, Neb. A group of researchers led by Dr. Dean Sicking is analyzing data from 27 videocameras and five data recorders and comparing the information to an earlier test that crashed a car into a concrete model of the RIR wall. Based on the results, more testing could be recommended or the barrier could be approved for Richmond. "It takes a little while to analyze all of it and give us their opinion," said Managing Director of Competition Gary Nelson, who runs NASCAR's safety research and development center in Concord, N.C. "They have to look at the damage profiles of the cars from both tests. There's a lot of things to figure out." Nelson said he hopes the analysis is completed with a few weeks
