In an effort to increase the quality of racing, Charlotte Motor Speedway will apply an adhesive substance to its upper groove in all four turns in advance of this weekend’s national touring races at the 1.5-mile track.
NASCAR to treat Charlotte Motor Speedway with traction compound to improve racing
The changes to the track follow a lackluster All-Star Race that featured only three lead changes.
Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images
The chemical compound was most recently used at Bristol Motor Speedway in April, and its resin credited with expanding the racing surface on the half-mile track from one groove to two. Additionally, Bristol utilized a tire dragging machine that adds rubber to the surface, which Charlotte will also employ.
NASCAR is hoping a similar outcome will occur on the Charlotte oval, which last weekend hosted the Monster Energy Cup Series All-Star Race. The non-points exhibition was largely derided for its lack of passing and featured just three changes. Afterward, numerous drivers were critical about the track conditions and aerodynamic rules package that they believed wasn’t conducive to racing side-by-side and completing passes.
The issues that arose in the All-Star Race weren’t unforeseen. Last May, the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte, NASCAR’s longest race, saw Martin Truex Jr. lead 392 of 400 laps.
“We talked through this opportunity with the track, teams, drivers and Goodyear,” said NASCAR Senior Vice President of Competition Scott Miller. “There was agreement that this process would enhance the racing we see at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and ultimately would make for an exciting Coca-Cola 600.”
The Xfinity race is Saturday, May 28, with the Cup race the following day.
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