The half-mile Bristol Motor Speedway was covered in dirt for its March races
The first round of cuts in the NASCAR Playoffs will take place this Saturday night following the NRA Bass Pro Shops Night Race at the Bristol Motor Speedway. Four of the original sixteen drivers who earned their way into the title chase will lose the opportunity to be crowned champion at the end of the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season. As a result, the pressure is on for those involved in the stretch run toward the championship as the first round draws to a close at one of the sport’s toughest and most exciting tracks.
Potentially adding to the high-banked speedway’s toughness could be a certain degree of unpredictability regarding the concrete surface that encircles the half-mile layout of “The Last Great Colosseum”.
As is well known by now, the races held for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and the NASCAR Cup Series back in March were contested on a temporary dirt surface that had been installed on top of the track’s concrete. And now, those layers of clay and sawdust have been removed so that this upcoming race can be held on the more traditional layout.
One has to wonder what lasting impact the dirt itself, the use of heavy equipment, and the scraping required to remove that dirt might have had on the concrete on which this race will play out.
BMS officials had the track washed after the dirt was removed with the obvious hope of removing all remaining residue left by the clay and sawdust. Still, this is relatively new ground that is being tread upon. Can all of that dirt really be removed from the porous concrete surface?
Please consider also reading “Starting Lineups for NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Truck Series at Bristol“
It has been reported by Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports that the PJ1 substance, which has been used at Bristol and other tracks in the past to improve traction in particular areas of racing surfaces, will be employed this weekend. In other words, the additive has been used to encourage drivers to use different grooves so as to keep them from seeking the one fast line around the track and creating a so-called “train race”. At least that is the hope.
However, PJ1 has not always performed as hoped and has even caused drivers to not use the areas of the track in which it has been applied or has caused them to overuse those grooves and thus bring about the opposite of the desired goal.
Yes PJ1 this weekend at Bristol. Not the VP resin used at Nashville/Michigan. There is some development by the makers of PJ1 on a new formula but that won't be ready for Bristol. https://t.co/SbP0BhaJZf
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) September 14, 2021
The factors of having dirt removed from the track and the use of PJ1 seem to be adding a very important set of unknowns into this crucial race. Granted, all the cars will be on the same track but it would be somewhat disappointing and perhaps even embarrassing if one of the contenders were to be eliminated because a lack of traction caused an incident.
Will the removal of this dirt impact the concrete surface below?
One thing working in the favor of the Cup Series drivers and teams will be the fact that the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series will race on the BMS surface prior to their event. That will provide not only an opportunity to watch for whatever issues might develop but also give officials time to address any issues, should there be any.
Of course, from a fan’s perspective, those unknowns may make for a more entertaining and drama-filled race on Saturday night. But there may also be some worry for the teams who find themselves on the bubble in terms of making it to the next round.
Richard Allen is a member of the National Motorsports Press Association
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