From Smokey Yunick’s infamous 7/8 scale car to Michael Waltrip’s fuel additive shenanigans, NASCAR is no stranger to some clever “innovations.” But over the years, the sport’s officials seem to have had the upper hand on teams and drivers, staying one step ahead of these “innovators” every time. So when the #8 Richard Childress Racing garage came up with a new tool to scrape excess rubber off the pit box, NASCAR took notice and retaliated with great haste.

NASCAR officials continued their ‘one step ahead’ tactic with Richard Childress Racing

As NASCAR geared up to return to the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway a few weeks ago, all eyes were on Kyle Busch and the #8 crew. Despite the crew’s recent struggles, Busch’s track record of eight wins at the iconic short track had fans buzzing with excitement. So when Bob Pockrass revealed RCR’s clever innovation to increase grip in its pit box, the community expected NASCAR to catch wind of it soon enough.

The tool was aimed to help reduce the rubber debris surrounding the pit box, allowing the tires to have more grip on the exit. Inevitably, a stronger launch could work wonders in terms of track position. While it may not have led to Busch winning the Food City Dirt Race, NASCAR officials decided to put an end to the shenanigans brewing at RCR with their latest rule changes.

There were three pointers in the new rule surrounding the pit box. But what stood out in terms of RCR’s innovation was the last point, which stated, “Any chemical, cleaning, or scraping that may damage the surface of the pit box or the timing loops, or discolor the painted lines of the pit box will not be permitted.” Naturally, the timing of this rule change prompted many to believe it was related to the #8 garage’s “power broom.”

On X, Bob Pockrass gave his two cents on the correlation. He stated, “I don’t think there was any issue with the RCR tool. It was only picking up some excess rubber. But imagine they saw it and figured teams would start using other equipment to clean the pit box and wanted to make sure there was a rule covering it.” But it wasn’t just RCR’s power broom move that the new rule restricted.

The two other points were in relation to the use of adhesives in the pit boxes. Just as removing excess rubber from the pit boxes gives drivers more traction while leaving the pits, adhesives do the same trick. Per the new rule, “Adhesive products may only be applied to the surface of each team’s assigned pit box (outside line to outside line of assigned pit box).”

Often, teams with an opening at their pit out spray adhesives beyond their assigned box. As opposed to others without that opening, the extra adhesive gave teams an unfair advantage, allowing them to gain a tenth or two on their rivals. So, this new rule essentially levels the playing field, at least when it comes to the pit lane.

While it’s safe to say that NASCAR officials are truly one step ahead of the teams, will the #8 crew’s struggles end anytime soon?

Can Busch turn his misery around at Richmond?

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Despite RCR bringing about a rather enticing innovation, the race at Bristol Motor Speedway was one that Kyle Busch would rather forget. And just when the #8 garage thought things couldn’t get any worse, the race at COTA certainly ticked off Rowdy. With Kyle Busch now on the backfoot in a season where newcomers like Christopher Bell and William Byron seem to be dominating, the former JGR star needs to step things up this season.

But that’s easier said than done. According to Kevin Harvick and other insiders, Busch’s biggest strength (his versatility) was lost the moment we transitioned to the Next Gen car. So, with all the odds against the #8 Richard Childress Racing driver, the following few races will be crucial to make a solid statement. Still, the RCR driver has his work cut out for him, as evidenced by NASCAR’s Power Rankings ahead of the Richmond race.

Pat DeCola placed Busch as the #13 favorite for the win at Richmond, taking into consideration his lackluster form as of late. However, the insider also believes COTA could be the smoking gun Busch needs. After all, the #8 driver is at his best when he has something to prove. The insider stated, “Nobody, and I mean nobody, takes it to a new level behind the wheel while driving mad better than Rowdy.”

So, while all the odds might be stacked against one of NASCAR’s most prominent figures, do you think Kyle Busch can turn around his fortunes at Richmond?

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