Daytona Road Course to Alter Chicane Ahead of NASCAR Race in August

On 16th and 17th August, the NASCAR paddock will head over to the iconic Daytona International Speedway. However, the Cup Series, Xfinity, and the Truck Series drivers are set to tackle the road course instead of the full speedway.

Unfortunately for the sport, there has been no word about the race lengths for each series.

This is because the circuit authorities are working on altering one of the chicanes at the track. This new chicane will be situated just off Turn 4 of the oval.

Apparently, the idea is to slow the cars down while they are on the front stretch before they turn into the infield section of the course.

As a result of the additional corner, the circuit length is obviously going to change dramatically. In other words, the track authorities have to recalculate the total circuit length and inform NASCAR.

Once this is achieved, the sport can determine a proper race length and publish it for all teams.

All NASCAR teams are preparing for anything

In light of the impending track alterations, many teams are aware that things will be difficult for everyone. This is largely because nobody has any references really, especially with the lack of practice sessions.

They know that the infield is fairly unique and difficult to conquer.

According to Alan Gustafson, Chase Elliott’s Crew Chief, “That infield is not the easiest to navigate and get the car hooked up on. It’s going to present some unique challenges.

“Certainly the speed of the banking, it’s a pretty dedicated true chicane unlike what we’ve run at the Roval. That will be different for everybody to get a hold of.”

However, one of their biggest concerns is the entry speed into Turn 1. This will be especially tricky while heading into the infield road course. The challenge for the teams will be to keep a very close eye on the brakes.

However, they will all be relishing the occasion.

NASCAR Drivers Unhappy with No Practice Session for Daytona Road Course

SOURCE- NBCSports- NASCAR