Should NASCAR allow track prep in the middle of the race?
That’s the question.
Personally, I come from the dirt tracks, so I say absolutely. If the time is there, why not allow the track to do some track prep?
NASCAR has itself in a unique situation at Bristol Motor Speedway. They aren’t quite to the halfway mark. Now, the remaining portion of the race is set to be run on a Monday after three rain showers yesterday.
To my knowledge, this would be the first time the track surface has been adjusted in the middle of a NASCAR race. Though, really as soon as rain washed off the PJ1 the weather alone already changed the track since the cars were on the racing surface.
Monday morning update: “Given Sunday’s postponement and substantial rain washing away the rubber build-up overnight, NASCAR officials offered a Monday advisory. If weather and time allow, officials will add a light coat of the PJ1 traction compound to previously treated areas, specifically the low groove. NASCAR also increased the tire allotment, allowing teams to have one additional set of new or scuffed tires for Monday’s continuation of the race,” NASCAR said in a statement.
In addition, teams will be allowed an additional set of tires for today’s race. It’s not a required purchase. However, they do have the ok to purchase an additional set if they choose to.
Bristol Motor Speedway has elected to spray a light coat of PJ1 track bite to the racing surface ahead of Monday’s green flag. The lower groove will again be sprayed if the rain stays away long enough to allow so.
Early Monday morning, the track was hit with a few more sprinkles and possibility some light snow. The temperature has dropped to around 40 degrees at the track.
Brad Keselowski won stage 1. Kyle Larson will resume the race as the leader in stage 2 with Erik Jones in 2nd. 204 laps are complete and another 296 are set to get underway in a rare Monday showing of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
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Related: Bristol area schools are closed on a Monday for the race at BMS
