A lot of attention has been focused lately on the issue of safety in NASCAR and keeping both the drivers and competitors as safe as possible week-in and week-out. Despite the fact it did its job, Carl Edwards’ frightening crash at Talladega has raised concerns about the catch-fence system in place at many tracks.

Taking the initiative, Speedway Motorsports Inc. is currently in the process of replacing the catch-fence system at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway. SMI Chairman Bruton Smith pointed out the decision to make the change was implemented prior to Edwards’ crash two weeks ago.

“I had already made a decision to do that,” Smith said when asked if Edwards’ wreck caused the change at New Hampshire. “We were a little ahead of the curve on that.”

Smith is no stranger to the risks of improper and inadequate fencing. Following a incident in which a tire flew into the grandstands and killed three race fans, Smith immediately went to work improving the fencing system at his tracks the following day.

Looking at Edwards’ wreck, Smith saw a problem that needs to be addressed sooner rather than later.

“Let’s fix it because the sport is at risk,” Smith argued.

“When it comes to safety, with all due respect to the fans, the fans cannot say, ‘Well, don’t do this, don’t do that.’ You have to think of safety, and that’s important,” he added. “We’re there putting on a show and we have to protect these people.”

The Chairman of SMI went on to explain fencing should be made out of welding wire and never out of chain link fence. Eluding to the differences in fishing line, Smith pointed out welding wire is up to ten times stronger than other cables.

“We’ve tested a lot of stuff and we know a little bit about these things,” Smith went on to say. “If I could ever assist NASCAR on any of this, if they asked me, I’d be thrilled to death to do so."

Smith confirmed the changes at New Hampshire will be in place by this June’s LENOX Industrial Tools 301.

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