NASCAR races are a mixture of both speed and strategy. But with so much going on the track, sometimes it can be tough to keep up with everything, including the all-important pit stops. Here's a look at NASCAR pit stops and how they are made during a race.
What are Pit Stops and why are they important?
The pit stops that are taken during the race are in sync with the drivers and their crew chiefs. They, then have the time to change the tyres, refuel and make other adjustments to the cars. All these things take place in the designated pit boxes of a team with six crew members given the job. The pit stops are crucial because if anything goes haywire then it affects the result of the race.
NASCAR 2024: Oval tracks (4-6 pit stops)
The number of pit stops a driver makes during a NASCAR race depends majorly on the type of track they will race on. One of the most common tracks used in NASCAR is the Oval tracks. A driver can make 4 to 6 pit stops on these tracks.
These tracks are usually high speed which takes a toll on the tyres. The drivers must make these pit stops to change their tyres and keep the performance of the car at its peak.
NASCAR 2024: Road course (2-3 pit stops)
On the other hand, road courses are the tracks that involve lots of left and right turns and also see the fewest pit stops. The drivers on these tracks can make 2 to 3 pit stops according to their convenience. The amount of pit stops on these tracks is few because the road courses are less demanding and take less toll on the tyres as compared to the oval tracks.
Additionally, road courses often have longer straightaways, which allow drivers to conserve fuel and reduce the need for pit stops.
NASCAR 2024: Short tracks (2 pit stops)
Short tracks come in between oval tracks and road courses in terms of the number of pit stops. On these types of tracks, the drivers are expected to make around 2 pit stops during a race. The short tracks are typically a compromise between the high speeds of oval tracks and the technical challenges of road courses.
The pit stops during an event is an important part of the race strategy. It plays a major role in the outcome of the race.
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