For over 40 years, Rockingham Speedway has been a tough place to get around. Time and time again, one little miscue or a worn-out tire has led to some hard hits against the track’s unforgiving concrete walls. While the track won’t be any less difficult for drivers to navigate when the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series makes its inaugural trip to Rockingham on April 15, 2012 for the Good Sam Club Roadside Assistance Carolina 200, the hits will not be quite as bone-jarring as the speedway has begun the installation of Steel and Foam Energy Reduction (SAFER) barriers along the inside back stretch wall. Installation of the SAFER barriers in the turns will begin at Rockingham after the running of the American 200 doubleheader (Nov. 5, 2011) and the Polar Bear 150 (Nov. 26, 2011). In all, a mile’s worth of the soft walls will be installed around the facility. Commonly referred to as “soft walls,” SAFER barriers are designed to absorb a portion of the energy in a crash, lessening the impact on the driver. The project, when complete, represents a nearly one million-dollar investment. But to speedway president Andy Hillenburg, it’s a worthwhile expense. “As a racer, safety is always my number one concern,” said Hillenburg, who made his first NASCAR Sprint Cup start at the track in 1991. “Regardless of NASCAR’s decision to come back to Rockingham, SAFER barriers were a need for us and I’m glad we are able to get that process underway. As we’ve seen over the years, there are some hard hits along that inside wall coming off of (turn) two and when things go bad getting into (turn) one, they go very bad.” NASCAR requires the technology at any facility at which it sanctions an event in its top-three National Touring Series. For more information, or to order tickets for any event at Rockingham Speedway, please contact the ticket office at 910.205.8800 or visit us online at www.rockinghamspeedway.com. Great seats and suite packages are still available.(Rockingham Speedway)(10-5-2011)
