NASCAR changes race-start tyre rules
Teams competing in the Monster Energy Nascar Cup Series will no longer have to start the race on the tyres that they used for qualifying, after an update to the series official rule book.
Starting from the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 27, teams will have the choice whether to start on the tyres they used for qualifying, or to switch them out and use a brand new set. From the upcoming round at Charlotte, teams will be allotted four sets of practice and qualifying tyres, with the exception of superspeedway events, which will have three sets. For enhanced weekend and superspeedway events, teams will be allowed to carry over their qualifying set to the race. If teams choose not to put laps on their qualifying set, they will then be required to carry over a scuff practice set for the race.
The update also makes it clear that teams have been granted one less set of tyres for practice and qualifying, but have also been given one more set for the race.
Additionally, the rule changes also stated that teams may only use traditional battery powered equipment to repair a vehicle on the service side of the pit wall. Meeting the definition of ‘traditional battery powered equipment’ are tools like reciprocating saws, screw guns, drills and rivet guns, among others. If teams want to use tools not considered to be in this category, they can only do so at the discretion of the series’ managing director.