Is spraying soda in NASCAR pit box a common practice? Joe Gibbs Racing weighs in

Spraying soda in pit boxes was a popular trick to increase grip on tracks in NASCAR but now teams use other adhesives for better traction.

NASCAR pit crew members used to pour soda concentrate on the ground to make it sticky so that the cars would exit the pit without wheelspin. Wheelspin causes the tires to lose traction and can hurt race results. However, Joe Gibbs Racing recently explained how this method has now evolved.

"Spraying soda in a NASCAR pit box...used to be common practice. Soda concentrate was often used to make the pit box sticky. Now, teams use a more effective traction compound and use a sprayer or an empty water bottle," the team said in a video.

In March this year, NASCAR stepped in to discourage teams from using soda outside their assigned pit boxes and gain an unfair advantage. It introduced a new rule where only approved adhesives can be sprayed inside assigned pit boxes.

These compounds must come from enclosed containers and be in liquid or foam form. Moreover, if NASCAR finds a team spraying outside its pit box, they will have to clean it up before the race.

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"This is absolutely great" - Fan on NASCAR's new mobility pit box

Pit boxes are like high-tech workstations with tools, screens and computers to track car performance and weather for NASCAR crews. Fans with mobility challenges recently got access to view this year.

They can see the crew work and help the team win races up close. The crew consists of eight members, including the crew chief who makes the race plan and the car chief. The Jackman, tire changers and tire carrier help with changing the tires. While the Gasman fills the car with fuel, the utility man helps the driver with water and other needs.

In June this year, NASCAR debuted the Mobility Pit Box for all fans. It was created with help from Toyota and features ramps, lifts, and space for those with mobility issues. A fan, JD Holland, used the pit box at Charlotte Motor Speedway during the Coca-Cola 600 this year and was impressed by the setup.

"This setup is absolutely unbelievable. I hate to be in the condition to have to use it, but the effort everyone has put in to provide this opportunity for an ADA (American with Disabilities Act) recipient, this is absolutely great," said Holland (via NASCAR).

The box, which originally launched at Daytona International Speedway in 2023, can fit three guests with mobility aids. It has ramps and lifts for guests using wheelchairs or mobility aids.