Formula 1

Starting in 1950, Formula 1 is an open-wheel, single-seat racing series that is considered the "pinnacle of motorsport". Consisting of about 22 races per year across 20 countries. Formula 1 is the most popular racing series in the world.

NASCAR

NASCAR aka National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is an American racing series. NASCAR is a relatable sport, using car models that people use every day that are modified for racing. It consists of 36 races over 10 months.

Similarities Between Formula 1 and NASCAR

HANS DEVICE

Photo from the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America

Photo from racer.com

The Head and Neck Support Device, aka the HANS Device, is a type of neck support that attaches to the driver's helmet. This device is meant to limit the forward motion of the head. The HANS device is meant to minimize serious neck injuries in the event of a crash.

The HANS device was invented in 1991 by Dr. Robert Hubbard because he realized many racing-related deaths were due to skull fractures.

On October 17, 2001, NASCAR made the HANS device necessary after the unfortunate passing of Dale Earnhardt.

By 2003 The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) made the device mandatory for all drivers at the start of the season.

Today, the HANS device is mandatory in almost all motorsports. Besides F1 and NASCAR, INDYCAR (another motorsport) also requires the HANS device.

Barriers

Photo from the Smithsonian

NASCAR Barriers

NASCAR Barriers are created out of... and are known as Steel and Foam Energy Reduction Barriers (AKA SAFER Barriers). These barriers were put in place after the tragic passing of Dale Earnhardt in 2001. One year after his passing the SAFER barriers were put into place across

By 2003 the SAFER barriers were required to be in every NASCAR track, but due to how expensive they were to build the barriers were only put in at critical points on the track.

Photo from Motorsport.com

Formula 1 Barriers

Although Formula 1 also had barriers on their track, the sport uses a variety of different barriers including SAFER (like in NASCAR), Tecpro, Tyres, and Armco These barriers are used in different cases based on different safety regulations and corners.

Tecpro Barriers are made out of polyethylene foam blocks connected together to absorb the impact of a crash. These barriers are placed in ares where there is an increased risk of highspeed accidents. On the newer F1 circuts like Las Vegas, and Miami, only Tecpro barriers can be used.

In Formula 1, SAFER barriers are used around long sweeping turns. They are usually places in locations where space is limited bwtween the track and the wall. As mentioned in NASCAR, SAFER barriers are made out of obsorbing blocks placed between steel wals to absorb energy.

Tyre Barriers have been around the longest. These barriers are made out of tyres stacked on top of eacheother. The tyres are bolted together, and there is sometimes a polypropyleme insert in the midle, to absorb impact. Since the tyres are tied together, they take the impact without dispersing on contact.

Armco Barriers are made out of galcanized steel. This steel is strong enough to stop a moving vehicle, and due to the durrability of this steel, they are rust resistent, keeping them in good condition between races. Along with the other types of barriers, Armco barriers absorb the impact of highspeed crashes

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