// MotorSportsNews.Net(work)

Having just celebrated Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s birthday, Kyle Busch’s wreck brought to mind how things have changed since the Intimidator’s death.

NASCAR has taken many steps in protecting our drivers and pit crews.

As much as drivers complained about the mandatory implement of the HANS device, it has shown since 2002 that it has worked.

It may get stress fractures, but with some of the impacts it’s taken it gets the job done.

Many drivers will a test to how well the safer barrier has worked. I know I would rather have a little cushion then run smack into concrete at 190 mph.

Many laughed when Michael Waltrip popped out of the hatch after winning at Talladega. That hatch was allowed for taller drivers.

Many hate the COT. But NASCAR is being proactive with safety issues. I’m sure team engineers will figure out the driving/handling issues drivers have. But with the drivers seat moved over, more head room, and many other safety features built in, (NO, this doesn’t’t mean Tony Stewart can start eating at DQ again) the drivers are safer than in their own personal car.

I’m sure minor tweaks will come with more use of the car. I for one can hardly wait for the fall Talladega race to see how “the big one” turns out safety-wise.

In a recent conversation with Ann Schrader RN, wife of NEXTEL Cup driver Ken Schrader, she said, “I would like to see NASCAR have a traveling medical team.”

Several drivers have stated they would like to see this too.

NASCAR, keep making the adjustments to protect our drivers and teams!

“At least when we lost Dale it wasn’t another driver complaining about him causing a wreck, but a friend asking was he okay, the last words Dale heard.” — Ann Schrader.