In the world of motorsports, safety and speed often find themselves at odds. The 1987 Michigan 500 brought this tension to the forefront with the proposal of a chicane at the Michigan International Speedway. This idea was born out of concerns over rising speeds and the track's reputation for high attrition rates. However, the proposal sparked a debate among drivers and officials about the best way to address these issues.
The Need for Change
The proposal for a chicane
at Michigan International Speedway was driven by a desire to reduce speeds and improve safety. During a testing session in November 1986, Rick Mears posted a lap speed of 233.934 mph, significantly exceeding the track record. This prompted track owner Roger Penske to consider reconfiguring the track to slow down the cars. Penske expressed concern over the track's reputation as a "trash" track due to the number of crashes, and he was keen to change this perception.
The proposed chicane was intended to be a dogleg in the middle of the backstretch, requiring cars to slow down to navigate it. The idea was that this would help keep average speeds down and reduce the likelihood of crashes. However, the proposal was met with mixed reactions from drivers, who had differing opinions on its potential effectiveness.
Driver Reactions
The response to the proposed chicane was divided among drivers. Roberto Guerrero was in favor, stating that the track was too dangerous and that the chicane could help slow down the cars. He believed that if the chicane required a third-gear turn, it could be effective in reducing speeds.
On the other hand, some drivers were opposed to the idea. Tom Sneva questioned the logic of altering the track instead of the cars, arguing that the chicane would make the track less entertaining for fans. Defending Michigan 500 champion Johnny Rutherford also opposed the chicane, expressing concern that it would detract from the unique nature of American oval racing.
The Final Decision
Ultimately, the proposed chicane was not implemented. During a test on June 19, 1987, both Rick Mears and Michael Andretti ran only two laps before expressing their disapproval of the design. They found the chicane to be bumpy and poorly located, which could create more problems than it solved. Instead of altering the track, the CART board of directors decided to reduce turbocharger boost pressure from 48 inches to 45 inches for the Michigan 500.
This decision reflected a compromise between maintaining the track's character and addressing safety concerns. While the chicane was never built, the discussion around it highlighted the ongoing challenges of balancing speed and safety in motorsports. The 1987 Michigan 500 proceeded without the chicane, and the race was noted for its relatively clean execution, with only one crash occurring during the event.
