Originally posted by racer14itc:
Gregg,

In your opinion, is this problem (basilar skull fracture injuries) worsened by the presence of concrete walls so close to the track? I.e., would the old fashioned tire walls do a better job of protecting the driver by dissipating the energy better?...

MC
These injuries are caused by rapid deceleration, so anything that softens the impact will help.

There are frequently trade offs though, which can make it tough for the track designers. A concrete wall may make for a hard hit, but it may also keep you from flipping into the woods, the lake or down the ravine.

Sometime the best you can do is bad, but everything else is worse.

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Gregg Baker, P.E.
Isaac, LLC
http://www.isaacdirect.com