[Lefty Noob]

According to an AP report, NASCAR is going to have the Nextel Cup cars use smaller, 14-gallon fuel tanks for May's race at at Lowe's Motor Speedway. The article says that it will "create shorter runs between pit stops and tire changes... A smaller fuel tank means cars will have to pit more often for gas, preventing long runs that would put stress on the tires." This a good idea?

[Nevadastars]

If it keeps them from blowing right fronts and putting them in wall, its a good idea. On the other hand, since they will be pitting earlier than usual, they may get a little more aggressive with the camber on the right front or run too little pressure. Which is the cause of many tire failures to begin with.

Another thing to consider, is Nascar and the networks are so bent on high ratings, they will do anything to keep people glued to their TVs. With more pit stops, there is more "action" going on to keep people planted on their couch. Some of these "cookie cutter" tracks can have long runs without cautions, and with spring fever hitting, a lot of us will head outside to the nice weather.

[bevo311evolver]

Good idea for the tires .. but damn .. thats like 13 pits stops at the 600!!!!!

[bevo311evolver]

Originally Posted by Nevadastars

If it keeps them from blowing right fronts and putting them in wall, its a good idea. On the other hand, since they will be pitting earlier than usual, they may get a little more aggressive with the camber on the right front or run too little pressure. Which is the cause of many tire failures to begin with.

Another thing to consider, is Nascar and the networks are so bent on high ratings, they will do anything to keep people glued to their TVs. With more pit stops, there is more "action" going on to keep people planted on their couch. Some of these "cookie cutter" tracks can have long runs without cautions, and with spring fever hitting, a lot of us will head outside to the nice weather.

ACtually, the more green flag pit stops they have .. the more the field will get spread out. Its 3/4ths of the reason they use smaller tanks at Daytona and Talladega.

[Nevadastars]

Originally Posted by bevo311evolver

ACtually, the more green flag pit stops they have .. the more the field will get spread out. Its 3/4ths of the reason they use smaller tanks at Daytona and Talladega.

I understand, but it also gives the camera guys and announcers something to get excited about besides watching them go around lap after uneventful lap. Like I said, these 1 1/2 tracks can have loooong green flag runs with nothing much going on.

[LSC9901]

While I'm all for safety issues I'm not convinced that the fuel tanks are the answer. As noted it can just lead to the teams being more aggressive with the setup since they know they'll be in the pits earlier and more often. It also seems that it allows NASCAR to make mileage a bigger issue than it needs to be. If they are allowed 22 gallon tanks then the entire setup for the race would be different. The tank size should be the same for every track.

[Wampinrock]

Just stumbled onto this thread...frankly, I really appreciate you guys (and gals) referring to the track as Charlotte in lieu of that other hardware store that Smoke does not drive for....as Bob Hope would say, Thanks for the memories. As to smaller tanks, I see this as just another "meddling" by NASCAR. Would this have stopped DW way back a ton of years ago when he and his crew filled the roll bar with exra gas to help keep him on the track longer between pits?? Now, THAT was Knausing!

[Nevadastars]

Wamp, I dont really see this meddling by Nascar. If you recall the last time they were at Charlotte, there were a lot of tore up good racecars because of blown right fronts. I think 2 or 3 smacked the wall while leading and a couple others were near the front. I didnt see the report that Lefty is alluding to, but I do remember all those blown tires. Which is why they want to force them to come in earlier than usual with a smaller fuel cell. Its an old track that is getting really rough on tires.

[oncea3fan]

I disagree with the smaller tanks.

this is a tire management issue, you used to here the crews chiefs telling the driver to save his tires. well these the best drivers in the world,they should be able to manage they're tires and not run in to the turns at 90% .
give the teams an extra day of practice before the race, let them find the tires limits and learn to run with them.you would see the car running flat out in the turns at other tracks.
the problem is the teams are over driving the track/tire combo

the extra testing won't be as costly as this is a home track for most teams.

Its an old track that is getting really rough on tires.

I beleive the entire track was just repaved, earlier this year.

would it be great to see a race where the cars were able to flat run and go to the front only to fall back later as cars with better tire mgt come to the front after other fade,kinda like trying to get that extra 2 laps on fuel with trying to stay out front...........how hard do you push it

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Wampinrock

Now, THAT was Knausing!

That looks even better when someone else writes it. I think we need to contact DW or anyone from that crew and pass on the new "NASCAR" term and its meaning.