The FIA has certified a new mobile debris fence developed by Swiss company Geobrugg, specifically designed for use in American motor racing championships like Indycar and NASCAR.
This 3.65m mobile debris fence system is slightly shorter than those used in global championships like Formula 1 but aligns with the measurement systems prevalent at American tracks. It addresses the increasing demand for innovative safety solutions on American racetracks, particularly for street circuits. It has already been deployed at Indycar’s Music City Grand Prix in Nashville, the Detroit Grand Prix and NASCAR’s inaugural street race in Chicago earlier this year.
Homologated to FIA Standard 3502-2018, the highest level of fence safety recognized by the global motorsport governing body, the fence underwent rigorous tests. These included firing a 780kg sphere from a cannon at 60km/h and subjecting it to a full-size car impact at 120km/h, ensuring it stayed within a 3m impact zone.
Mobile debris fences offer practical benefits for street courses, facilitating smooth assembly and disassembly. The system is tailored for street and city circuits but can also be adapted for permanent circuits, especially those requiring flexible fence adjustments to meet the run-off area requirements of different racing series.
Geobrugg’s solutions are in use at 16 Formula 1 venues, including events in Las Vegas, Miami and Austin. The Swiss company has also extended its reach to private tracks and car clubs, exemplified by its involvement with Miami’s Concours Club.
Jochen Braunwarth, director of motorsport solutions at Geobrugg, said, “The US is a special market for us at Geobrugg with our business growing year on year in the region. The need for homologated solutions has grown, giving Geobrugg the push to create this special 12ft US mobile debris fence solution, which can suit a range of American racing series.”
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