SANDOWN’S infamous turn six has received a safety upgrade for this week’s opening Supercars endurance race after a series of frightening high-speed crashes.

The work at the corner is the first of a two-stage upgrade commissioned by Melbourne Racing Club after a FIA track safety inspection late last year.

Almost 30 concrete barriers, weighing four tonnes each, have been installed behind the tyre wall.

The degraded tyre barrier has been replaced with a new system fitted with energy absorbing inserts.

The track has also been lengthened at turn one to allow drivers more time to recover from errors at the end of the high-speed main straight.

Turn six, the fast left-hand corner at the end of the back straight, has seen several terrifying smashes in recent years.

Last year, Todd Hazelwood was lucky to walk away unharmed after his car spun in the air before smashing into the tyre barrier and landing upside down in a horror 250kmh accident.

Lee Holdsworth and Will Davison were also involved in shocking crashes at the turn in 2014 and 2010, respectively.

Supercars is in the second year of a three-year deal to race at the historic track and the upgrades suggest Sandown will continue to operate as a motor sport venue for the foreseeable future.

There has been speculation the motor sport and horse racing venue could be sold off by the MRC for housing.

While improving driver safety, it is hoped the upgrades will also help avoid delays during races for repairs.

“By reinforcing the tyre barriers, this is expected to avoid any major delays or stoppages in the event of a heavy impact in that area,’’ Sandown 500 event manager Sam Pearce said.

“The MRC has been very proactive since the inspection last year in responding to the safety upgrades required.

“There is an extensive plan in place to implement the up- grades and ensure the circuit maintains its licence to host Supercars and other major events for the long term.’’

The second stage of work is expected to be completed before next year’s Sandown 500.

This week’s Sandown 500 marks the start of the endurance series, which also takes in the Bathurst 1000 and the Gold Coast 600.