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Safety first again for NASCAR

In a year filled with talk of head restraints and car construction, now there is increased emphasis on looking out for the fans.

By JOANNE KORTH

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 22, 2001

For years, gatekeepers at NASCAR events were on the lookout for what they perceived to be the single greatest threat to spectator safety in the grandstands.

Glass bottles.

Oh, to have those days back.

In the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the popularity of Winston Cup and its fan-friendly atmosphere have taken on sinister implications: Racing is an easy target.

"I'm not sure how much these terrorists know about racing, but they obviously would know that everywhere we go there are over 100,000 people there and it would certainly be a target," 1999 Winston Cup champion Dale Jarrett said. "There are going to be a lot of changes, and changes have to be made."

Starting this weekend.

For the first time in NASCAR's 53 years, fans will not be allowed to bring coolers into the grandstand for Sunday's Cal Ripken Jr. 400 and today's Busch Grand National MBNA.com 200 at Dover Downs. Backpacks and large bags are banned as well.

"While we regret that we have to step up our security measures to this extent, it is, at this time, completely necessary," said Denis McGlynn, Dover Downs president and CEO. "We don't know how long the changes will have to be in place. But given the events ... we think it is of the highest importance that this race takes place in a completely safe manner."

The head of security at Dover Downs, former Delaware state police Officer Rick Quashne, has met with security people from other pro sports. Also, the FBI and local police have been involved in creating a security plan for the weekend. Delaware-based sponsor MBNA lists several former government security officers among its executives, including former FBI director Louis Freeh.

"Everybody's working together to make sure we cover all the possible bases," McGlynn said.

In the seven months since Dale Earnhardt died at Daytona, heated discussions about NASCAR safety have concerned the drivers and their cars on the track. But in light of last week's tragedy, there are new issues to consider.

Not only are Winston Cup races well-attended, they also are all-access events, a reflection of the fan-friendly mind-set that has fueled NASCAR's rise in popularity.

At most tracks, infield areas are jammed with fans who drive their cars and motor homes through the gates with minimal, if any, security inspection.

The garage area -- auto racing's locker room -- is open to a wide variety of media, sponsors and fans who obtain special passes. Within minutes of a Winston Cup race, it is not impossible to stick your head into the window of Jarrett's No. 88 Ford for a look.

"Anything could happen," Jarrett said. "We have so many people in the garage area now and 98 or 99 percent of them are in there for the enjoyment of just seeing what takes place and what is going on. But you do have your 1 or 2 percent that are carrying around the big duffel bags to get their stuff autographed.

"We've discussed before that people could bring anything in because there is no checkpoint or anything like that. They could create a lot of havoc. I think we're certainly looking at a lot more security there now."

NASCAR officials conducted a conference call with several track owners, but no edicts were issued. International Speedway Corp., which owns Daytona International and Miami-Homestead, among other tracks, will make small containers subject to search and indefinitely ban coolers, backpacks and large camera bags. Charlotte and Texas plan to allow them, but, as always in NASCAR, that could change.

"Beefing up security in anything we do right now is good. It would take an idiot not to," said driver Kenny Wallace, substituting for the injured Steve Park in the No. 1 Chevrolet. "We can't act like everything is fine because it's not fine.

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think I have to. I don't believe the terrorists are gone."

Last weekend, NASCAR joined most North American sports leagues in postponing its event, the New Hampshire 300. After a week of mourning, most agree it is time to send the message that terrorists cannot measurably alter life in the United States. "I'd like to send my own message to them," said Tony Stewart, driver of the No. 20 Pontiac. "I sure don't feel like crawling in a hole and hiding because of what these people have done. I think, if nothing else, this has only made our country stronger."

Like most of America, Winston Cup racing looks forward to getting back to work this weekend, to the small details that make up a routine, to the therapeutic sound of revving engines.

"It will be nice to get back to what we do," Jarrett said, "but I'm not sure exactly how normal it's going to be."

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