Global Fastener News

Bolt Failure Blamed For NASCAR Incident

Jason Sandefur

NASCAR officials said a failed 3/8� steel bolt on a Winston Cup race car caused the hood to fly into the stands, injuring a woman during the nationally-televised Pepsi 400 in Daytona on July 5. The woman was released from the hospital the next day, according to the Charlotte Observer.
The bolt was one of four fasteners connecting the hood to safety tethers made of Vectran.
NASCAR spokesman Mike Zizzo told the Observer that race officials are trying to determine what caused the bolt to break. Zizzo claimed NASCAR is working to prevent bolt failure, including the potential use of different size bolts. The incident occurred near the end of the race. Officials said all safety protocols were observed by mechanics when they repaired the car and returned it to the track following a seven-car crash earlier in the race. �2003 FastenerNews.com