NASCAR: Rookie Michael McDowell's Baptism of Fire

Rookie NASCAR Driver Michael McDowell who is an accomplished driver in other circuits (Champ Car, Grand AM and ARCA) figured in one of the worst crash seen in car racing in recent memory during the Qualifying Run of the Sprint Cup in Texas but survived unscathed.

His “spectacular” crash seen on national Television wherein his Toyota Camry hit the barrier at 180- 190 mph, ricocheted and then flipped 8 or 9 times afterwards before settling into the track with his car a total wreck.

His walking away with nary an injury minutes after the horrific crash is a testament of the merits of installing the SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) barrier in the race tracks and justified the introduction of the Car of Today to NASCAR despite protests from some veteran drivers regarding its maneuverability. It also show how far technology has advanced in car racing and justified the millions poured in research to protect its drivers.

So, those who question the safety of NASCAR races (after the deaths of many drivers including the Great, Dale Earnhardt in the not so distant past) can now heave a sigh of relief. Those who are critical of the Car of Today (formerly the Car of Tomorrow) can now relax. The events in the Texas Motor Speedway last Friday proved and settled the issue of safety, right there and then.