During an intense moment at Michigan International Speedway, NASCAR driver Corey LaJoie experienced a hair-raising flip while contending with Noah Gragson. On The Teardown podcast, commentators Jordan Bianchi and Jeff Gluck explored the unusual circumstances surrounding the incident and expressed concerns regarding safety.
Bianchi conveyed his unease over the crash’s severity, pointing out that while airborne vehicles are alarming, such occurrences are not common enough to indicate a troubling trend.
“Anytime a car goes airborne during an incident, it’s definitely concerning. However, we aren’t seeing a surge of cars flipping over like this, which provides a bit of reassurance,” he stated.
“If we were witnessing this happen frequently, you’d be like, ’Hold on a minute,’ because there was a time around 2015/2016 when flips were occurring quite often.”
Corey LaJoie, driver of the #7 Gainbridge Chevrolet, observed during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 20, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana. NASCAR driver LaJoie reflects on the…
Corey LaJoie, driver of the #7 Gainbridge Chevrolet, observed during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 20, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana. NASCAR driver LaJoie discusses the crash at Michigan.
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Bianchi continued to discuss the peculiar nature of the incident:
“This was unusual. It was a really strange situation. While it is concerning, I wouldn’t say it’s alarming in the sense that I don’t feel the need to say, ‘We should address this immediately.’ NASCAR has a solid safety track record.”
“Regarding such incidents, they will definitely take this car to the R&D Center for evaluation; they will want to understand what happened.”
“If any methods can be implemented to prevent similar situations, they will certainly explore those options.”
Gluck highlighted the potential risks these kinds of crashes pose to both drivers and fans.
“The concern here is preventing cars from crashing into the fence or into the stands. When it comes to rollover situations, if a car flips on the track, the drivers inside the cockpit appear to be relatively secure based on what we see,” Gluck remarked.
LaJoie shared his thoughts in a post-crash interview with NBC Sports, discussing the challenging nature of the year.
“That’s just the way this year has unfolded. We have a competitive car, yet I still managed to flip it upside down.
“This year alone, I’ve flipped twice, and I’ve never flipped a car in my entire career. Unfortunately, that’s how the season has gone for our No. 7 team. We have speed; we just haven’t been able to capitalize. The No. 10 cut me off a couple of times, particularly off (Turn 2). I had a run, but I haven’t seen the replay yet.”
“If he moved off the wall while I was trying to chase his left rear… it was quite a ride, buddy,” LaJoie recounted.
NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway Results
- Tyler Reddick – 23XI Racing
- William Byron – Hendrick Motorsports
- Ty Gibbs – Joe Gibbs Racing
- Kyle Busch – Richard Childress Racing
- Brad Keselowski – RFK Racing
- Chris Buescher – RFK Racing
- Zane Smith – Spire Motorsports
- Daniel Suárez – Trackhouse Racing
- Denny Hamlin – Joe Gibbs Racing
- Carson Hocevar – Spire Motorsports
- Ryan Preece - Stewart-Haas Racing
- Noah Gragson – Stewart-Haas Racing
- Ricky Stenhouse Jr – JTG Daugherty Racing
- Harrison Burton – Wood Brothers Racing
- Chase Elliott – Hendrick Motorsports
- Erik Jones – Legacy Motor Club
- Austin Dillon – Richard Childress Racing
- Ryan Blaney - Team Penske
- Michael McDowell – Front Row Motorsports
- Justin Haley – Rick Ware Racing
- Cody Ware - Rick Ware Racing
- Josh Berry – Stewart-Haas Racing
- Daniel Hemric – Kaulig Racing
- Martin Truex Jr – Joe Gibbs Racing
- Ross Chastain – Trackhouse Racing
- Bubba Wallace - 23XI Racing
- Alex Bowman – Hendrick Motorsports
- Austin Cindric - Team Penske
- John H. Nemechek – Legacy Motor Club
- AJ Allmendinger – Kaulig Racing
- Chase Briscoe - Stewart-Haas Racing – Suspended
- Corey LaJoie - Spire Motorsports – DNF
- Joey Logano – Team Penske – DNF
- Kyle Larson – Hendrick Motorsports - DNF
- Christopher Bell – Joe Gibbs Racing – DNF
- Todd Gilliland – Front Row Motorsports – DNF
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Corey LaJoie’s Dramatic Flip at Michigan International Speedway Raises Safety Concerns in NASCAR
On August 7, 2021, NASCAR fans witnessed a dramatic and alarming incident when driver Corey LaJoie flipped his car during a race at the Michigan International Speedway. This shocking event sparked significant discussions regarding safety standards in NASCAR and highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by officials and engineers in ensuring driver safety. In this article, we delve into the incident itself, analyze the implications for NASCAR safety protocols, and explore what this means for the future of racing.
The Incident: What Happened at Michigan International Speedway?
During the NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan, Corey LaJoie was involved in a multi-car accident that caused his vehicle to flip over. Footage of the incident shows LaJoie’s car tumbling through the air before landing on its roof. Fortunately, LaJoie emerged from the wreck unscathed, but the visuals of the wreck raised alarm bells among fans, drivers, and safety experts alike.
Key Details of the Incident
- Date: August 7, 2021
- Location: Michigan International Speedway
- Driver: Corey LaJoie
- Outcome: Car flipped and landed on its roof; driver unharmed
Understanding the Risks: NASCAR’s Safety Measures
NASCAR has made significant strides in improving safety standards over the years, especially following high-profile incidents that have resulted in severe injuries or fatalities. Despite these advancements, the flip of Corey LaJoie raises crucial questions about the effectiveness of current safety measures.
Current Safety Features in NASCAR
| Safety Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| SAFER Barrier | Soft wall technology designed to absorb impact during crashes. |
| Roll Cage | Reinforced structure that protects the driver in case of rollovers. |
| HANS Device | Helmets with head and neck support to prevent injuries during collisions. |
| Fire Retardant Suits | Protective clothing designed to reduce burn injuries. |
What Went Wrong?
Despite the existing safety features, LaJoie’s accident still raised serious concerns about whether enough is being done to protect drivers, especially in high-speed situations where flips or rollovers can occur. The physics of racing at speeds exceeding 200 mph creates unique challenges that require continuous reevaluation of safety standards.
Expert Opinions on Safety Protocols
After the incident, many experts weighed in on the situation, analyzing the factors that contributed to the flip and the potential improvements in safety protocols.
Insights from NASCAR Officials
- Rick Hendrick: “We have to keep pushing the envelope on safety, especially when we see incidents like this.”
- Steve Phelps (NASCAR President): “Our goal is to ensure that every driver gets out of the car safely after an incident.”
Driver Reactions
Many drivers, including LaJoie, expressed their thoughts post-incident:
- Corey LaJoie: “I’m thankful for the safety measures in place, but we need to evaluate how we can improve further.”
- Denny Hamlin: “This was a wake-up call; we can never have enough protection.”
Case Studies: Previous Incidents and Their Impact on Safety
To fully understand the implications of LaJoie’s flip, it’s essential to look at previous incidents in NASCAR history that prompted significant changes in safety protocols.
Notable Incidents
| Incident | Year | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Dale Earnhardt Sr. Fatal Crash | 2001 | Introduction of the HANS device and enhancements to car safety. |
| Jeff Gordon’s Flip | 2006 | Increased focus on rollover protection and driver safety gear. |
| Ryan Newman Crash | 2020 | Improved crash test standards and vehicle design modifications. |
Potential Improvements to Safety Standards
In light of Corey LaJoie’s dramatic flip, several potential improvements to NASCAR’s safety protocols are being discussed:
1. Enhanced Vehicle Design
Rethinking the structural design of race cars to minimize the risks of flipping and provide better crash protection.
2. Improved Track Safety Features
Upgrading barriers and track surfaces to absorb impact better and prevent cars from becoming airborne.
3. Increased Driver Training
Providing additional training for drivers on handling emergency situations and the physics of racing at high speeds.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Safety
As the racing community continues to reflect on the implications of Corey LaJoie’s flip at Michigan International Speedway, it is clear that safety in NASCAR remains an ongoing priority. While the current measures have significantly reduced the risks associated with racing, the potential for improvement always exists. Stronger collaborations between drivers, officials, and engineers are essential to ensure that every race is not only thrilling but also safe for all participants.
For more details, check out the video of the incident here: Corey LaJoie’s Flip at Michigan.
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