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Safer barriers got their start at IMS

SPEEDWAY, Ind. (WISH) – The safer barriers at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway were designed to absorb energy if a car makes contact with the wall.

The barriers are now found at other major tracks around the world, but they are original to IMS. The barriers were first installed in 2002.

In March, work started on a two and a half mile stretch to make the oval safer along the backstretch at the end of turn tow and in the short chute. They also added safer barriers between turns three and four. More than 15,000 additional feet of the steel and foam energy reduction system was installed before the 99th running of the Indianapolis 500.

For 24-Hour News 8’s full coverage on the countdown to the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500, click here.