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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowDr. Henry Bock, a pioneering doctor in racing and a key player in creating the SAFER barrier, has died. He was 81.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials made the announcement after confirming the death with his caregiver, who was working directly with the family.
Bock served as the track's senior director of medical services from 1982-2006. He held the same title with the IndyCar Series from 1996-2006 and continued working as a consultant for both after retiring.
Though he developed new treatments for drivers, Bock may be best known for working on the SAFER (short for Steel and Foam Energy Reduction barrier), which have become a staple at American tracks.
In 2000, he received Indiana's prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash distinction.
Bock is survived by a brother, Bob, and a sister, Marianne.
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