NASCAR updates rules after Bayley Currey's roof flew off during Atlanta Truck Series race

Last weekend in Atlanta, the roof of Bayley Currey’s No. 41 Niece Motorsports truck flew off in the middle of the race, and NASCAR has new rules. After reviewing the situation, NASCAR has updated the rule book to prevent a similar incident in the future.

Window braces were already in use for the Truck Series. However, this update to the NASCAR rules should strengthen the windshields. The sanctioning body said they would take a look at this incident and they already have a solution.

Throughout the race, fans and others noticed the windshield on Currey’s truck buckling. At times, teams have tried to get a little bend in the windshield for an aero advantage. Typically, it ends in a fine and penalty for being against the rules.

Now, teams will have to pay closer attention. Ahead of Las Vegas, the windshields will have to be installed under these new rules.

Matt Weaver of Sportsnaut released a diagram that NASCAR provided to teams. There are a few updates.

“Non-permanent adhesive sealant must be used to seal the windshield to the windshield bed,” one new section reads.

“A 1-inch wide, black, self-adhesive border may be installed on the sides of the windshield. Tint of tape may be added to the windshield for adverse sunlight conditions; paint will not be permitted.

“Windshield braces must be used. Windshield braces and installation must conform to the [above] drawing.”

So, it is obvious why NASCAR stepped in here and changed the rules. You can’t have a roof fly off. It poses a danger on the track for multiple reasons. Mainly, it leaves the driver of the car or truck vulnerable. While Bayley Currey didn’t have any further incidents, it was a scary situation for the driver.

NASCAR rules hoping to prevent another roofless truck

When the roof flew off Currey’s Chevy Silverado, it was a “WTF?” moment. You don’t see that happen a whole lot. Of course, there were “NASCAR Convertible Series” jokes made. But, how did this happen?

While racing early on in the race, Currey noticeably had a buckling windshield. The driver claimed it was from debris that hit his truck in the early parts of the Fr8 208. We just don’t really know if that is true or not, but we’ll take his word for it.

Once the damage was made air started to get into the truck. Forcing its way in between the windshield and roof, the air kept pushing and pushing. Eventually, no more roof.

By tweaking the rules, NASCAR is hoping to avoid these issues. It also stresses the need for teams to make sure those windshields are right. Layne Riggs was a DQ in the same race for a windshield violation, for what that’s worth.