[wardfan]

Why do they race in the opposite direction at Watkins Glen?
Why do they close the pits as soon as the caution comes out?

[Nevadastars]

Originally Posted by wardfan

Why do they race in the opposite direction at Watkins Glen?
Why do they close the pits as soon as the caution comes out?

Not sure why they go clockwise. They also go that way at SEARS POINT, er, Infineon. Its not that way at all road courses though. I have been to Laguna Seca many times where they race counter-clockwise.

I'm fairly certain they close the pits during cautions to bunch up the field. It makes it so everyone has an equal chance to pit. If they left it open when the yellow came out, cars could enter pit road if they were near the entrance, while cars on the other side of the track would have a serious disadvantage, especially if they were the leaders. A 28th place car could find himself in front because he happened to be at the right place at the right time. Hope that makes sense.

[wardfan]

I'm fairly certain they close the pits during cautions to bunch up the field. It makes it so everyone has an equal chance to pit. If they left it open when the yellow came out, cars could enter pit road if they were near the entrance, while cars on the other side of the track would have a serious disadvantage, especially if they were the leaders. A 28th place car could find himself in front because he happened to be at the right place at the right time. Hope that makes sense. [/quote]

That makes sense. I put this question out on another thread and didn't get an answer. I also was guessing that a caution is always at least 2 laps because the lead cars pit first and then the lap down cars go next, right?

[Nevadastars]

Originally Posted by wardfan

I also was guessing that a caution is always at least 2 laps because the lead cars pit first and then the lap down cars go next, right?

Yea, that makes sense and is true, but the biggest reason for a lot of laps under caution is Na$car has to make sure all the sponsers get their commercials in. I can't remember a race where there was only 2 laps of caution, except possibly Infineon or Watkins Glen.

[JGMotorsport]

Originally Posted by wardfan

Why do they race in the opposite direction at Watkins Glen?
Why do they close the pits as soon as the caution comes out?

just another rule i guess and Kurt go really screwed on that deal

but i wish NASCAR was like the nineties and even earlier i just liked the nineties the most so much excitement now its all Aero what not and rules

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by wardfan

I'm fairly certain they close the pits during cautions to bunch up the field. It makes it so everyone has an equal chance to pit. If they left it open when the yellow came out, cars could enter pit road if they were near the entrance, while cars on the other side of the track would have a serious disadvantage, especially if they were the leaders. A 28th place car could find himself in front because he happened to be at the right place at the right time. Hope that makes sense.

That makes sense. I put this question out on another thread and didn't get an answer. I also was guessing that a caution is always at least 2 laps because the lead cars pit first and then the lap down cars go next, right?[/quote]

You make a valid point about bunching them together but looking at it from a green flag pit stop point of view sort of blows that theory out the window. The 28th place car once again can become the leader or at least closer to the front at any given point in the race if he has a bit of luck. If there is no safety issue then the pits should open ASAP. Bunching them together so that is fair is about as fair as the lucky dog scenerio. Getting back a dozen laps without really having to work for them is pure bull. Let them race and may the best team win.