NASCAR's Surprise PJ1 Addition Shakes Up Bristol Elimination Race

In a last-minute decision, NASCAR has decided to apply the PJ1 compound to the racing surface at Bristol Motor Speedway, much to the dismay of crew chiefs across the sport. This unexpected change has forced teams to hastily adjust their car setups, creating a sense of uncertainty and frustration heading into the crucial elimination race in the Round of 16.

Unexpected Change Leaves Crew Chiefs Scrambling

Crew Chiefs Caught Off Guard

The news of the PJ1 application came as a surprise to many crew chiefs, who were unaware of the change until NASCAR sent a message to the teams just hours before the garage opened. Drew Blickensderfer, the crew chief for Noah Gragson and the No. 10 team, expressed his frustration, stating, "Yeah, no idea on the crew chief side." This last-minute announcement left teams with little time to make the necessary adjustments to their cars, potentially disrupting their carefully planned strategies.

Adjusting to the New Track Conditions

Crew chiefs like Matt McCall, who oversees Brad Keselowski's car, were left in the dark until the official message from NASCAR. "There was no meeting on our end. I just got the email saying they're putting down up to two feet of PJ1 on the bottom and that's all we knew," McCall told Sportsnaut's Matt Weaver. This sudden change in track conditions has forced teams to rethink their setups, as the PJ1 compound can significantly alter the handling and performance of the cars.

Timing of the Announcement Raises Concerns

The timing of NASCAR's announcement has also drawn criticism from crew chiefs. Rodney Childers of Stewart-Haas Racing and Mike Kelley of JTG Daugherty Racing both expressed their frustration with the late notice, feeling that NASCAR may have intentionally wanted to create a "crap shoot" at Bristol. The elimination race in the Round of 16 is a crucial event, and the unexpected track changes have left teams scrambling to adapt, potentially compromising their chances of success.

Drivers Prefer PJ1 Over Resin

While the crew chiefs are unhappy with the last-minute PJ1 application, drivers generally prefer the compound over resin. The PJ1 tends to wear off over time, allowing the top groove to open up and providing more opportunities for side-by-side racing. This dynamic can lead to more exciting and unpredictable racing, which is often the goal for NASCAR's track modifications.

Addressing Tire Wear Concerns

The decision to apply PJ1 at Bristol appears to be NASCAR's attempt to address the tire wear issues that were observed during the spring race. During the 45-minute practice session, the Goodyear tires were not wearing down as significantly as expected, leading NASCAR to believe that the track needed more grip and abrasiveness to create the desired level of tire degradation and racing action.

Uncertainty Looms Over the Elimination Race

With the last-minute PJ1 application, the elimination race at Bristol has become even more unpredictable. Crew chiefs are frustrated with the lack of preparation time, and the impact of the track changes on the cars' performance remains to be seen. Drivers may enjoy the added grip and eventual opening of the top groove, but the overall impact on the race could be significant, potentially shaking up the playoff standings and creating a true "crap shoot" scenario.As the teams and drivers head to Bristol, the focus will be on adapting to the unexpected track conditions and finding a way to overcome the challenges posed by NASCAR's surprise decision. The elimination race promises to be a thrilling and unpredictable event, with the added element of the PJ1 compound adding an extra layer of uncertainty to the proceedings.