NASCAR's NextGen car has been in the spotlight following a high-impact crash involving Christopher Bell at Michigan International Speedway. The incident, which occurred on Lap 148, saw Bell's car collide with the wall, resulting in a 21-minute SAFER Barrier repair and a secondary impact when Chase Elliott's car came back up the track. This crash was measured in Delta-v, indicating the speed lost during the incident. Mike Forde, a communications executive, revealed that Bell's impact was the worst since the NextGen car's debut in 2022, and potentially the worst since 2015 when Matt Harper joined NASCAR as the managing director of safety systems. This crash was measured in Delta-v, which measures the change in velocity. Forde couldn't disclose the specific Delta-v number, citing proprietary data, but confirmed it was the largest number seen in the NextGen era. The impact raises questions about the car's safety and the effectiveness of the SAFER Barrier. It also highlights the importance of the head surround foam, which played a crucial role in Bell's survival. The incident underscores the ongoing efforts in NASCAR to enhance safety measures and protect drivers. As the sport continues to evolve, the focus on safety remains a top priority, with the NextGen car's design and performance under scrutiny. This crash serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in high-speed racing and the need for continuous improvement in safety standards.
