Sign up for our special edition newsletter to get a daily update on the coronavirus pandemic.
NASCAR is racing — to save lives.
Since NASCAR suspended its season on March 13, its Research & Development Center in Concord, N.C. has been aiding medical personnel across the country in the fight against COVID-19.
They have done this by transforming their facility to produce personal protective equipment. NASCAR engineers are manufacturing face shields with 3D printers, which are also being utilized to make replica human heads, which are being used by medical researchers to hone protective techniques against the coronavirus.
Eric Jacuzzi, NASCAR’s Senior Director of Aerodynamics and the lead engineer managing the project, said the facility is currently producing up to 50 shields per day.
“We started exploring what we could do, how we could volunteer to help,” Jacuzzi said. “We made a prototype and showed [doctors] what we had. They had a few suggestions and we made those changes….We’ve just been getting requests from all around the country from coast to coast as word’s gotten out.”
The shields are worn in addition to masks and goggles, in order to prevent aerosols from being inhaled. Jacuzzi said NASCAR recently has received requests for shields from nursing homes, too.
“It’s an added layer of protection,” Jacuzzi said. “When they’re doing intubations or anything like that, there’s the potential for aerosols to get ejected.”
NASCAR partners also have joined the effort.
Roush Fenway Racing is making plastic aerosol boxes to protect medical professionals treating COVID-19 patients. Technique, a supplier of chassis kits, has also overhauled its factory to manufacture face shields, while CORE autosport is manufacturing face masks for medical professionals.
Driver Joey Logano has established a $1 million COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund, while Matt DiBenedetto and Wood Brothers Racing purchased tablets for a nursing home, enabling residents to stay in touch with families who can’t visit.
“We’re helping out in any way we can,” Jacuzzi said. “We’re buying up materials and we’re gonna keep the 3D printers running.”
NASCAR plans to return to action on May 9 at Martinsville Speedway in Virginia, which is currently being used as a drive-thru COVID-19 testing location. Because of the uncertain path of the virus, NASCAR is reportedly considering multiple scheduling scenarios this season, including mid-week races and weekend doubleheaders.
“We intend to hold all 36 races this season, with future rescheduling soon to be determined as we continue to monitor this situation closely with public health officials and medical experts,” a NASCAR statement said. “What is important now transcends the world of sports and our focus is on everyone’s safety and well-being as we navigate this challenging time together.”
