Catchfence
A catchfence is a tall safety barrier made of strong mesh fencing and steel cables that prevents race cars and debris from leaving the track and entering spectator areas during crashes.
When race cars crash at high speeds, they can become airborne or slide uncontrollably toward the edges of the track. Without proper protection, these vehicles could fly into grandstands where thousands of fans are watching. The catchfence acts like a giant net that catches and stops these out-of-control cars before they can reach the audience.
Most catchfences stand between 15 and 22 feet tall and consist of several layers of protection. The typical design includes vertical steel posts buried deep in the ground, horizontal steel cables stretched between these posts, and chain-link or welded wire mesh attached to the cables. Some tracks also install concrete walls at the base of the fence for additional protection against cars that are sliding along the ground.
The engineering behind a catchfence is more sophisticated than it might appear. Rather than acting as a solid wall, the fence is designed to stretch and deform when a car hits it. This "give" in the system helps absorb the energy of the impact, which reduces the violent forces that drivers experience during a crash. Think of it like a trampoline that catches something falling—the surface bends to slow down the object gradually rather than stopping it instantly.
You'll find catchfences at virtually every type of racing facility, from massive NASCAR superspeedways like Daytona and Talladega to Formula One circuits around the world and even small local short tracks. They're especially critical at high-speed venues where cars can reach speeds over 200 miles per hour.
Beyond stopping cars, catchfences also protect spectators from flying debris. When cars collide, pieces of bodywork, tires, and other components can become dangerous projectiles. The mesh design of the fence catches most of this debris while still allowing spectators to see through to the racing action.
Modern catchfence systems have evolved significantly over the decades. Today's fences use stronger materials and improved connection points between components. Many tracks now combine catchfences with other safety innovations like SAFER barriers—soft walls that line the track's edge to absorb impacts before cars even reach the fence.
While catchfences are essential safety equipment, they do have one drawback. The tall, sturdy construction can make it more difficult for safety crews to quickly reach a driver who has crashed into the fence. Track designers must balance maximum spectator protection with the need for emergency responders to access crash sites rapidly.