NASCAR is looking at long-term and short-term answers to safety concerns. SHORT TERM — An escape hatch on stock cars could be ready in two weeks that would be optional for competitiors to use during the rest of the Winston Cup season. — Beginning next week, a heat sensitive fire extinguisher will be required near the cars’ fuel cell. — Indy already has soft walls. Richmond and New Hampshire will have them by this fall’s races. LONG TERM — NASCAR is working on a new fuel cell that would prevent fires from ever starting. — A larger driver compartment has been developed but will need to be integrated into the stock cars. — NASCAR is testing aluminum foam to be placed in the car to absorb some of the G-forces generated in crashes.(story and more detail at the Daytona Beach News Journal )(8-1-2003)
