NASCAR is rolling out a significant tweak to its weekend schedule, extending on‑track practice time at several venues beginning with the New Hampshire race. The change replaces the traditional two 25‑minute groups with a single 50‑minute session that all cars will share, and it also allots two fresh tire sets per session.
The new format is designed to give teams more uninterrupted time to fine‑tune setups, evaluate aerodynamic packages and prepare for the race without the pressure of a split‑session scramble. For smaller outfits, the extra minutes could translate into a meaningful advantage in performance and strategy.
Driver Reactions
Ross Chastain welcomed the extra practice, even citing a famous "Saturday Night Live" skit to illustrate how additional laps can be a source of pure enjoyment for drivers who love to feel the car on the track.
Bubba Wallace, by contrast, expressed a neutral stance, indicating that the extra minutes do not fundamentally alter his approach to race weekend preparation.
Kyle Larson and Erik Jones both highlighted the practical benefits of the longer session, noting that the additional time allows them to experiment with adjustments and that it is especially valuable for teams operating with limited resources.
Tyler Reddick offered a more measured perspective, acknowledging that while the sport may not need more practice overall, the extended window does provide a useful learning environment for rookie drivers such as Connor Zilisch who are still mastering the nuances of the series.
The tire allocation tied to the new practice format adds another layer of strategy, as teams must manage two fresh sets within the extended window, potentially influencing pit‑stop decisions and overall race dynamics.
Overall, the revised practice schedule is poised to reshape how teams prepare for races, with drivers and crews adjusting their routines to make the most of the extra track time while navigating the new tire constraints.