Let me answer it by saying this:
Newman is an Engineer. He is very vocal about certain race tracks and the lack of adequate safety equipment. He has been fined by Nascar for such comments.
So, it is more than the latest technology..although the Newman Bar probably had a great deal to do with saving his life.
Several years ago, I was watching a nighttime NASCAR race.
Another driver wrecked Newman towards the end of the race.
Newman appeared with a woman sportscaster shortly after the end of the race.
Newman told her, “I’m here being interviewed just to show my family I’m OK.”
Newman continued, “You know, they can build safer race tracks, they can build safer race cars, but they can’t do anything about guys who have their heads up their ass!”
I nearly fell over laughing.