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Watkins Glen International, NASCAR's traditional road course venue, has undergone key changes ahead of the second Cup Series playoff race. In response to driver feedback, the track has implemented modifications to the curbing and rumble strips to improve safety and enforce track limits.
Fox Sports reporter Bob Pockrass highlighted some key changes to the iconic 2.45-mile oval in New York. Some notable changes include recessed rumble strips introduced at the exit of Turn One and the Carousel. Additionally, the curbs in the 'Bus Stop' chicane have been moved closer to the wall.
NASCAR drivers have previously exploited the run-off area at the exit of Turn One at Watkins Glen to gain better exit speed. Without strict track limits, a significant portion of the field often runs wide, utilizing the run-off space and approaching the outside fence to gain an advantage in exit speed.
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The run-off area at Watkins Glen is now covered with recessed rumble strips dug into the asphalt, similar to those found on interstate highways. These strips extend to the outside fence, up to Turn Two, forcing drivers to stay within track limits. Similar modifications have been made to the run-off area on the exit of the Carousel.
Another significant change at Watkins Glen involves moving the curbs at the entry of the Bus Stop chicane closer to the wall. This adjustment was made to stop drivers from running over the curbs, which were previously positioned at the track's edge. The new placement will reduce the high G-forces drivers previously experienced when entering the corner.
In addition to the track modifications, Goodyear is introducing a softer tire compound for the weekend. This tire compound is expected to experience a significant drop in lap time over the course of a race. These changes will add an extra layer of excitement to the second NASCAR Cup Series playoff race. The Go Bowling at The Glen Cup race is scheduled for this Sunday, September 15, at 3:00 PM ET.
NASCAR playoff drivers in the bubble ahead of Watkins Glen race
Following the NASCAR Cup Series playoff opener at Atlanta Motor Speedway, the road course event at Watkins Glen will serve as the second race in the Round of 16, leading up to the cutoff race at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Brad Keselowski, Harrison Burton, Martin Truex Jr., and Chase Briscoe are all in the danger zone, sitting below the cutline. Keselowski is just one point behind, while Burton trails by 16 points. Truex and his Joe Gibbs Racing successor, Briscoe, are 19 and 21 points down, respectively.
Kyle Larson, who entered the playoffs with the most points, now sits just 15 points above the cutline after a Stage 1 wreck in Atlanta. JGR drivers Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs are in a precarious position, just two and one point above the cutline, respectively.
Among the bubble drivers, Burton and Keselowski are at greater risk of losing ground this weekend. Both Ford drivers have historically struggled on road courses, while the rest of the bubble drivers have a better chance of achieving a strong finish.
