“Sure Would Like to Have Dale Earnhardt Sr. Here”- Kenny Wallace Lauds NASCAR for Saving Ryan Preece’s Life

Ryan Preece‘s fatal crash at Daytona has once again sparked the question: Is NASCAR truly safe? Undoubtedly, the sport brims with risks, and the drivers are acutely aware of this fact. Interestingly, they seem to revel in the adrenaline-pumping excitement that being behind the wheel brings, as pointed out by Kenny Wallace.

Nonetheless, the recent incident, wherein Preece’s 3500-pound car executed a breathtaking series of approximately 10 flips through the air, has naturally triggered apprehensions regarding safety. Within certain circles, a prevailing sentiment endures, asserting that, “Racing is dangerous you should be prepared to die”

Yet, in direct response to this narrative, Kenny Wallace emphatically stepped forward to underscore how NASCAR’s calculated modifications undeniably played a pivotal role in saving Ryan Preece’s life.

Kenny Wallace praises the role of NASCAR in safeguarding Ryan Preece

As per Kenny Wallace, NASCAR’s commitment to safety has manifested through numerous changes over the years. He also recollected an era when open-face helmets and minimal safety measures, a paradigm that has since evolved and progressed. Notably, incidents like Dale Earnhardt’s tragic death and others underscored the urgency of improvements. Today, however, NASCAR ardently endeavors to prevent such tragedies, evident in the life-saving role played by the Next Gen car, as exemplified in Ryan Preece’s harrowing ordeal.

On his show “The Kenny Wallace Show,” Kenny stated, “We do so much to save our drivers. So listen, we’ve lost some great ones and anything we can do to make these cars safer.”

He added, “You and I sure would like to have Dale Earnhardt Sr here. He hit that wall and killed himself. Neil Bonnett hit the wall right exact same spot, turn 4 at Daytina-died. Kenny Irwin, Blaze Alexander the list goes on and on. But better safe than sorry The Next Gen cars did its job Ryan Preece you know tweeting so that’s my breakdown.”

Following an overnight stay at the Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona, Ryan Preece took to Twitter the subsequent day, proclaiming, “If you want to be a race car driver, you better be tough. Dammit. Fast @racechoice @FordPerformance Mustang. I’m coming back.”

Nonetheless, the introduction of the Next Gen cars in 2022 once again prompted scrutiny on safety standards, triggered by incidents involving Kurt Busch and Alex Bowman suffering concussions. Is the safety of the Next Gen car comprehensive enough? NASCAR’s regulatory alterations firmly assert their confidence in this aspect.

Watch This Story: Hendrick Motorsports Faces Playoff Disappointment

NASCAR’s changes within the realm of Next Gen cars

Trending

Despite 2023 Disaster, Chase Elliott Risks Angering Rick Hendrick by Choosing Alex Bowman’s HMS Banned Tactic

Kurt Busch Finally Breaking Radio Silence After Criminal Charges Forced 3-Month-Long Hiatus Has NASCAR Fans Breathing Easy

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Sister Recalls the Sacrifice Forced on Them by Tony Stewarts’ Stranded Mentee Before Their Big Moment

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Was Caught Off-Guard by Ken Schrader’s Boozy ‘Bargaining’ Tactic

Kyle Larson’s Efforts Reap Results as America’s Oldest Sprint Car Racing Makes Its Return After a Year of Hiatus

A decade and two decades ago, wrecks of this airborne nature were commonplace at Daytona and Talladega, prompting NASCAR to implement adjustments aimed at preventing such incidents.

This challenge has persisted for years, somewhat contained by restrictor plates at the sport’s major tracks, although not entirely eradicated. The game changed when larger, reconfigured roof flaps were introduced. Notably, during the Preseason Thunder test at Daytona in 2013 for the Gen 6 cars, these adaptations effectively kept the cars grounded.

Following the concussions in 2022, NASCAR took further steps by refining the new rear clip, rear bumper structure, and center section to reduce their rigidity and potential harm to drivers. Nonetheless, a tragic crash in 2023 involving Kyle Larson and Ryan Preece necessitated additional adjustments to the center sections and front clips.

Undoubtedly, the Next Gen car proved instrumental in saving Ryan Preece from a catastrophic wreck. Nevertheless, with each instance, NASCAR confronts the recurring question: Can we consider it entirely foolproof?

READ MORE: “I Start Crying”- Ryan Preece’s Daytona Horror Jogs Kenny Wallace’s “God Awful” Memories