NASCAR makes change to Stage 2 length at Texas Motor Speedway

Ahead of the Round of 12 NASCAR Playoff race at Texas Motor Speedway, there has been a change to the length of Stage 2. NASCAR has decided to extend Stage 2 from 80 laps in length to 85. The stages are now set to end on laps 80, 165, and 267. 80 laps for Stage 1, 85 for Stage 2, and 102 for the Final Stage.

The decision comes amid other moves made by NASCAR for this round of the playoffs. We are going to see a new right-side tire compound at this track, a longer Stage 2, and there are even changes for the Charlotte Roval coming. No stage breaks there.

While some fans are confused, there is an explanation for this. The NASCAR race at Texas used to be a 500-mile race, but it is now just 400 miles. This corresponds with the length of Stage 2 compared to other 400-mile races. Perhaps NASCAR is hoping those five extra laps cause a little bit of drama and chaos, but that’s just the first thing to pop in my mind, personally.

NEWS: NASCAR issues an update to the length of Stage 2 for Sunday's race at @TXMotorSpeedway. Stage 2 will now conclude on Lap 165 instead of Lap 160.

Stages for Sunday are now 80/165/267. #NASCARPlayoffs

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) September 22, 2023

NASCAR states that this makes it more uniform with other 1.5-mile tracks that host 400-mile races. Not sure what the reason for such a late change was. Maybe no one thought of it as the race was reduced by 100 miles until this week?

While some fans are going to be suspicious, these five laps aren’t going to matter much. With stage breaks, it won’t even be much of a difference. Then again, if we see someone blow a tire before the end of Stage 2, then maybe we revisit this.

The last time NASCAR went to Texas, it was hard on tires. Are we going to see the same level of chaos this season?

NASCAR at Texas – less miles, same uncertainty?

So, a new right-side tire, extended Stage 2, 100 fewer miles than usual – I kind of like where this is headed, folks. NASCAR’s product at Texas has been shaky at best. When it was the All-Star Race venue, it produced duds. However, this Next Gen seems to love these intermediate tracks.

Last season, the All-Star event was so-so. When it came to the playoff race, there was some promise there. Unfortunately, for many drivers, six actually, they were DNFs. I could argue that more cautions makes for a more exciting race. Then again, you will hear 1,000 different opinions among NASCAR fans about that.

Given how the races at Darlington, Kansas, and Charlotte have gone, I have to give Texas the benefit of the doubt. We used to see some great races on this track. It’s been years since they repaved. The new configuration may have messed with it more than fans hoped, I think.

Last year the biggest complaint was the tire failures overshadowed the race itself. Will the new tire make this a two-groove track with lots of passing? I’m not so sure, but I am an optimist at heart.

There are bright spots and dark spots when it comes to the new car. Adjustments have been made constantly over the last two years to get it right. There are issues on short tracks we can’t ignore. For now, though, the intermediate package remains the best in the 2023 season.

What are your hopes for the NASCAR race at Texas Motor Speedway?