Tracks add barriers after Busch crash

Kyle Busch, center, is taken to an ambulance on a stretcher after he was involved in a multi-car crash during the XFINITY Series race at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday.

The aftereffects of Kyle Buschs violent crash into an inside concrete retaining wall at Daytona International Speedway last weekend continued to ripple through the industry Tuesday, with two major track operators announcing plans to do more to protect drivers.

International Speedway Corp., the parent company of Daytona International Speedway and 12 other tracks, announced it is developing a significant plan for the installation of additional impact-absorbing technologies including but not limited to SAFER barriers (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction).

The announcement came just hours after Busch, 29, was released from Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach on a stretcher and flown to a hospital in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Busch had surgery at Halifax on Saturday night after suffering a compound fracture of his right leg and a fracture to his left foot when his No. 54 Toyota slammed into a section of wall without SAFER barriers during an Xfinity Series race.

His injuries prompted an immediate call for enhanced safety measures from drivers, fans and others, who stated they couldnt understand why all tracks werent already protected by shock-absorbing systems, such as the SAFER barriers.

ISCs plan will begin with its two superspeedways, Daytona and Talladega, ISC President John Saunders said in Tuesdays statement.

We will utilize all available tools to ensure the safety of the drivers and our fans. It will remain our top priority.

A thorough review of our other ISC facilities will continue with the focus to prioritize each tracks most critical areas first, Saunders stated. This includes but is not limited to our upcoming races at Phoenix International Raceway and Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California.

Atlanta Motor Speedway also announced it would expand its use of impact-absorbing barriers this week, before all three major NASCAR series are scheduled to race on Saturday and Sunday.

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Tracks add barriers after Busch crash