catch fence

1999, Tarik el-Bashir, The New York Times Safety Is at Issue As 3 Spectators Die at Car Race In 1997, Lowe's Motor Speedway improved its catch fence by adding height and cable along walls down the front straightaway, which is often the stands' most crowded section. After last year's accident at Michigan, Lowe's increased the height of its fence and the overhang, bringing the total height to 17 feet. The spectators involved Saturday were sitting just past the exit of the fourth turn, not on the straightaway.

2011 John Marshall, Associated Press Indy 500 winner Wheldon dies after massive wreck Video replays showed Wheldon's car turning over as it went airborne and sailed into what's called the catch fence, which sits over a barrier that's designed to give a bit when cars make contact.