ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses some of the advancements in safety technology that shaped modern automobile racing. In the initial days of racing, drivers often survived the impact from the crash but succumbed to the fire that quickly engulfed the race car after the crash. Many suffered burns and even fatalities from lack of proper protective clothing due to the fact that drivers tended to wear fashionable and comfortable clothing. Safety advancement has addressed all aspects of the crash with data acquisition and chassis development to reduce common injuries, race track and driver equipment to reduce the load on the drivers, and the incorporation of a safety response team for the driver, car and track following a crash. The chapter outlines the technological advancements and safety improvements in racing over the past few decades. Interestingly, heading into the 2018 IndyCar season, the IndyCar race car has received a new update.
