CoTA installs state of the art safety equipment

Circuit of The Americas has announced the installation of two products selected to provide the utmost in safety during motorsports events hosted at the new venue. TecPro Barriers and Geobrugg Debris Fencing are two state-of-the-art products that provide a safe environment for spectators and drivers alike.

Circuit of The Americas will be the first venue in the United States to install TecPro Barriers. Not only do these products create a protective barrier between the racetrack and fan areas, but they also provide the best viewing experience with minimal obstruction.

“Circuit of The Americas was designed to be one of the most sophisticated, innovative facilities of its kind,” Circuit President Steve Sexton said, “and making sure our participants and patrons have a fun and safe experience is our No. 1 priority. We are making the investment in TecPro Barriers and Geobrugg Fence because they are the very best protective systems used in the motorsports industry, and they will be an important part of our on-track safety program.”

TecPro Barriers

Circuit of The Americas recently began installation of the TecPro Barriers system that is used at more than 300 racing circuits in 30 different countries, including Formula 1™ circuits in Monaco, Barcelona, Melbourne, Monza, Valencia, Silverstone, Singapore, India and Abu Dhabi. Circuit of The Americas will be the first racing venue to use these innovative safety barriers in the United States.

TecPro’s signature three-layer wall barrier is formed in interconnecting sections and is capable of absorbing the impact of a vehicle traveling at 125 miles per hour while keeping the g-force experienced by the driver to tolerable levels. Older barrier systems are made up of tires, requiring meticulous installation and frequent maintenance. The TecPro system consists of polyethylene blocks connected by straps that absorb 40 percent more shock than the tire barriers. The blocks use less space, are easier to maintain and provide a safer experience for drivers and fans.

The research program that led to the TecPro barriers' development was triggered by F1™ driver Michael Schumacher's accident at Silverstone in 1999, when he sustained a broken leg but was lucky to escape head injuries. In 2006, TecPro Barriers and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) proposed a new absorption system to protect motorsports participants when a crash occurs. TecPro High Speed Barriers allowed Schumacher to finish the 2010 Singapore Grand Prix with no injuries or damage after running off the track. Meanwhile, during the 2010 FIA GT1 World Championship race at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina circuit, driver Natasha Gashnang crashed at a speed of 120 miles per hour. She owes her survival to the TecPro Barriers installed at the circuit. Most recently, Sergio Perez experienced a notable crash during the 2011 Monaco Grand Prix, but was stopped safely thanks to TecPro Barriers installed at the circuit.

Geobrugg Debris Fence

Geobrugg Security Engineering has been chosen for the design and complete material supply for the debris fence installation at Circuit of The Americas. Geobrugg brings its 60 years of experience in developing impact protection systems for rockfall, landslides, boats, and other applications to the world of motorsports. The Geobrugg Debris Fence is the only fencing system worldwide that is fully designed to provide the highest safety and incredible installation speed by virtue of its optimized material and design. This particular product is also the only debris fence with its particular FIA-approved design and composition. Made of the ROMBO® G80/4 high tensile wire mesh, the Geobrugg Debris Fence is three to four times stronger than conventional chain link mesh. For example, one single 4-milimeter wire is capable of lifting up to 2.2 tons. ROMBO® mesh combines high strength with flexibility to allow it to absorb and transfer extremely high impact loads.

Geobrugg Debris Fence provides the best protection while also increasing visibility for spectators to the track. The product has been installed at other motorsports venues around the world, such as Circuit Dijon-Prenois in Dijon, France, Atlanta Motorsports Park in Atlanta, Sydney Motorsport Park in Easter Creek, Australia, and Sepang International Circuit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Global Fence and Gate is responsible for installation of the fence system at Circuit of The Americas.

“These two products are such improvements to the previous systems used at other motorsports facilities in the past, in both practical and aesthetic terms,” said Circuit Vice President of Motorsports Operations Chuck Aksland. “The TecPro Barriers and Geobrugg Debris Fence offer modern, workable solutions in safety protection for our participants. They also save time and cost due to ease of installation and minimal maintenance.”