Phoenix catch fencing built correctly

A reader writes, Dear AR1.com, I cropped the picture of the Ryan Newman turn 4 crash at Phoenix and it sure looks like the mesh catch fencing is on the inside of the posts, were it belongs. Eddie Gossage is way out of line saying that its fine on the outside of the posts. The only thing it saves is 30 to 40% in labor costs verses hanging the wire mesh under the overhanging posts. And finally I don’t like the new IndyCar. Chuck Nelson Reader since April 2002

Dear Chuck, Chuck, All ISC tracks have the fence on the inside of the poles (i.e. the proper side) and all the SMI tracks have it on the outside. The two companies use different engineering firms and they probably used the same fence details over and over from track to track. As you say, it is easier to install the fencing on the outside. Gossage is likely speaking the SMI company line in the hopes of avoiding a lawsuit forcing them to change the fencing at all their tracks. Mark C.