A New Practice Format for NASCAR
NASCAR announced that, beginning with the August 23 race at New Hampshire, each car will receive a single 50‑minute practice window instead of the traditional multi‑session schedule. The change consolidates preparation time into one focused period for every entry.
The new window is designed to give teams, particularly those without the extensive simulators and resources of the top programs, a better opportunity to evaluate handling characteristics, tyre wear and make necessary adjustments before qualifying and the race itself.
Impound procedures will stay in place, meaning crews cannot alter cars after they have been impounded following qualifying, preserving a level playing field while still allowing teams to fine‑tune setups during the limited practice.
Why the Change Matters
NASCAR said the adjustment was driven by feedback from teams and aimed at leveling the competitive field. Mid‑size outfits, which often lack the advanced simulation tools of the larger organizations, welcomed the extra on‑track time as a tangible way to close the gap.
Each car will also be issued a second set of tyres specifically for use during the 50‑minute session, giving drivers like Shane van Gisbergen an additional resource to test setups and improve race‑day performance.
The format will affect all events outside of the superspeedway packages and the season‑ending finale at Homestead‑Miami, while tracks such as Indianapolis were already slated for a single 50‑minute practice, a detail that van Gisbergen noted could benefit his own preparation.