Finally, Safer Barrier Comes To Las Vegas

After what Jeff Gordon described as the "hardest hit of his career", Las Vegas Motor Speedway finally installed a new SAFER barrier at their track. 

In the spring race in March of this year, Gordon sustained heavy impact after tangling with Matt Kenseth. While both cars went spinning, Gordon's took the brunt of the impact, unfortunately slamming viciously into the part of the inside wall where there was no SAFER barrier. 

The crash was so violent that it almost ripped the car in half, including dislodging the entire transmission. Fans held their breath as Gordon gingerly exited the car, while team officials, including Rick Hendrick, demanded that SAFER barriers be installed at that section of the track prior to racing there again.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway made the promise to do just that and installed the SAFER barrier on the portion of the track that had been previously unprotected.  The Associated Press reports that the installation was completed just last week.

Fans have speculated that this hard hit has been a defining moment in Jeff Gordon's 2008 season. 

Many have felt that he has driven a bit more cautiously, even tentatively, after having sustained such a forceful impact. 

Others have felt that the hit was a wake up call for him, motivating him to make the Chase and have a great run this season.

Either way, these hard hits often take a toll on drivers, physically and psychologically. 

It is a great credit to Las Vegas Motor Speedway, whose officials are proactively addressing the problem and ensuring that all 43 drivers on the track will not have to suffer a similar crash. 

On September 20th, the track will welcome racers in the Craftsman Truck series.  We will know then whether the track and the drivers are ready to face one another again when the green flag flies at the speedway in the city that never sleeps.