There were calls after that race to install addition safety barriers at the track. This NASCAR season increased efforts to create better barriers at all tracks, spurred by Kyle Busch’s Daytona crash and Jeff Gordon’s Atlanta accident.

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Following a “full track review,” Auto Club Speedway said Thursday it would have temporary structures in place to cushion walls where only concrete barriers existed.

Hamlin’s car struck an unprotected wall at the entrance to pit road. The track installed a protective barrier system — a mix of steel and foam that absorbs energy — in that area of the track after the accident.

More safety measures are ahead. For now, NASCAR reports, a tire pack will prevent cars from striking the concrete wall inside Turn One. And before the 2016 race, SAFER barriers will be in place. Steel and Foam Energy Reduction barriers will are manufactured to reduce the impact of cars into walls.

Sprint Cup drivers tested at Phoenix on Friday, with qualifying Friday evening. Saturday brings the week’s Xfinity Series race, with the Sprint Cup race on Sunday.

MORE: Kurt Busch returns | Last chance? | Phoenix preview | Odds and props

Meanwhile, work is under way at Fontana, where XFinity and Cup races will be run next weekend.

“The safety of drivers, and our fans and staff is, and always has been, a top priority,” Auto Club Speedway president Dave Allen said in a track release.  “As part of our continued commitment to safety, we will work hand-in-hand with NASCAR and all sanctioning bodies that race at our track to make improvements that will further enhance safety.”

Hamlin missed four races after his 2013 crash, and he never regained his form that season. He missed the 2014 race because a piece of metal in an eye caused an infection. Hamlin is eager to return to Fontana and certain to be glad to see increased safety measures.

“We can hit inside walls anywhere, and we hit inside walls sometimes harder than we do outside walls,” Hamlin said before last year’s Fontana race. “For an outside organization to say that you don’t need it at this place because of odds or statistics say you’re not going to hit here or it’s a less dangerous spot is ridiculous.

“Anywhere that we have a concrete wall should be covered by SAFER Barrier. … Eighty percent of the inside walls are not covered at all. So even though this is a small section that they have here at this track, it’s not just about this one (track).”