Here is why NASCAR doesn’t have to use Bulletproof windshields for Chicago Street Race

The Chicago Street Race is part of NASCAR’s plans to diversify its fanbase and find new markets.

Here is why NASCAR doesn’t have to use Bulletproof windshields for Chicago Street Race

Lori Lightfoot, Bubba Wallace and during the 2023 Chicago Street Race announcement (Credits: NASCAR.com)

The Chicago Street Race is among the most controversial topics in the NASCAR community. It has gathered both praise and criticism from drivers and fans alike. The first-ever Street circuit will welcome the Cup and Xfinity garage on July 3. NASCAR plans to host a week-long racing spectacle in Chicago Downtown Chicago.

One major criticism of the NASCAR race in Chicago is that the city has one of the highest crime rates in the USA. The law and order issues were the major reason behind the re-election loss of the current City mayor Lori Lightfoot who signed the race deal. Major critics of the event have been making ridiculous claims that NASCAR should use cars with bulletproof windshields while racing,

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Recently an individual on Twitter asked Fox Sports senior NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass about the requirements for bulletproof windshields and vests for crew members. “I don’t see target practice on the Chicago schedule?? Will they use bulletproof windows on the cars? Will pit crew members be required to wear bulletproof vest??   SAFETY first!!!”

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The veteran journalist was clearly frustrated by the ridiculous questions and forced back some shots while revealing that NASCAR’s windshield is already bulletproof. He replied,  “Racing in a city location is an attempt to broaden the fan base. No matter the crime rate, bad things can happen at any venue. But I wouldn’t expect you to know that, just like you didn’t know that the windshields are bulletproof (in case of flying debris from other cars),”.

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What material is used to make NASCAR windshields?

Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman
Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman

The windshield plays a major role in keeping drivers safe from debris that could fly off the car at high speed, which could induce some serious physical harm to the drivers. It plays a big role in drivers’ safety and is one of the parts that cannot be compromised at any cost.

In regular road cars, laminated glass is used for the windshield. It has three layers. Two glass sheets with a plastic sheet infused in the middle. This three-layered setup will help to make the windshield more rigid, and the passengers will have minimal injury from any windshield debris that will come off in an accident.

NASCAR dropped the use of glass a long time ago and used a polycarbonate material, named Lexan to make windshields. It’s more than a quarter inch thick and offers protection from debris. Teams use a plastic sheet that they will peel off during pit stops to stop the material from stretching, which is one of the material’s drawbacks.

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