Previously on tracks where we weather tires were allowed, NASCAR determined when the drivers used the racing slicks or wet weather tires.

Beginning with the races this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway, NASCAR has made some adjustments to ruling.

While NASCAR will determine on which type of tires the teams will start the race with, the crew chiefs will decide when they will make the change from wet to slicks or slicks to wets.

If NASCAR throws a caution flag for west conditions, the succeeding pit stop will be deemed non-competitive – teams have three minutes to make any adjustments and tire changes and the drivers will not lose their place on the track unless they miss coming out at the end of the three minute pit stops.  Drivers who make a non-competitive stop will lineup behind any drivers who stayed out on the track.

NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell spoke on the rule change saying, “we always listen to fan and industry feedback, and if there’s an opportunity to make a meaningful difference that benefits the racing, we won’t waste time acting on it.  There were a lot of strong opinions after New Hampshire, and Ben Kennedy, John Probst and the entire Competition team went to work. Giving teams the freedom to make their own calls in wet-weather situations on ovals is another example of how we’re working to improve and put on the best possible show for our fans.”

The wet weather tires first appeared in the Cup Series during the All Star Race at North Wilkesboro in 2023 and in a points race in 2024. 

Not “rain” tires, the wet weather tires may be used on a “damp” track.

President of NASCAR event management John Probst spoke on the wet weather tire changes saying, “we’ve been very deliberate about making any changes to the wet-weather tire procedure on ovals, and we believe now is the right time to take this next step.  You never root for rain, but if we do need to battle wet-weather conditions this weekend or at other future short tracks, it will be fascinating to see how the teams put the tires to work and the strategy they will bring to the race track. The collaboration with the race teams was again fantastic, and we hope this is a welcome change for our fans.”