[graywolf624]

Yes it is designed as such.
From a materials perspective carbon fiber is chosen as a race car technology not only for its light weight. It also is a great disapator of energy. It is made to disintegrate/shatter on impact absorbing the energy in somewhat of a similar manner to crumple zone. Meanwhile the actual passenger compartment is designed so as to be reinforced to not collapse thus protecting the occupant. Thus you saw a great example in the case of the accident with the guy from tiger with the stolen car. A hit at in excess of 100 mph.. Everything else disintegrates absorbing the hit, but the structure of the passenger compartment is intact. That is the primary goal of race car safety design. To protect the passenger compartment. Everything else is replaceable. There was an interesting video on the same phenomenon with regards to f1 cars and drivers legs a few years ago. I don't remember the title.