NASCAR to adjust tire barrier after ‘roval’ crashes

CONCORD, N.C. — NASCAR adjusted the angle of a tire barrier at Charlotte Motor Speedway prior to Cup Series final practice Saturday so drivers would have more racing room at the exit of the backstretch chicane.

Bubba Wallace and Erik Jones destroyed the front of their cars after getting out of control in the chicane of the new road course-type layout and smashing through the barrier. They were uninjured but both have to go to backup cars.

The chicane is designed to scrub off speed entering Turn 3 of the oval portion of the track. Speeds needed to be slower to help with tire wear as the tires must provide grip on the infield and oval portions.

NASCAR will continue to evaluate the angle and length of the barrier Saturday during the final Cup practice and the Xfinity Series race.

Marcus Smith, president of track owner Speedway Motorsports Inc., said he was open to moving the wall wherever NASCAR wanted, but also that the drivers likely will adjust.

“There was feedback [after testing in July] from drivers saying they need more of a visual reference for that exit out of the backstretch chicane, and a tire wall was the thing that everybody agreed was the right course,” Smith said.

“I see a few people hitting the tire wall and I think it’s one of those things drivers are trying to go as fast as they can go, they’re pushing the limits, they’re finding the limits. … They just need to get used to the track and learn it.”