Mikeinsmd said:
No, issues with the track itself. They have to repave it.
Oz said:
I thought the race sucked... Too many cautions! One thing is for sure - Humpy will fix it before next May!
Yes there are in fact issues with the track.
Charlotte has always been a bumpy track. Before the May race, Humpy Wheeler in an attempt to avoid a total re-pave effort, decided on using a "levigation process". Using paving grinders to reduce the bumps on the track. This reduced the effects of the bumps, and increased track speeds.
Another track grinding effort was accomplished before the most recent race. Practice sessions on the modified surface, showed more increases in speed, and torn-up race cars.
Bottom line...
Track grinding gave the track more grip, and faster speeds. With the increased speeds came increased tire loads, heat build-up and blistering Tire failures Saturday night were attributed to; the new track conditions, the tire compound Goodyear sent to the track, and drivers using lower then recommended tire pressures.
Yes the track will now have to be totally re-surfaced, the one thing the owners/operators of the track were trying to avoid. A new surface takes time to cure and weather to allow more than just one-groove racing
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