Phoenix Raceway makes major track change ahead of NASCAR Championship weekend

Ahead of the NASCAR Championship 4 weekend, Phoenix Raceway and race officials have made a change to pit road. The line on pit road that determines running order after pit stops has moved further down the track.

Previously, the first pit stall was a little more than another stall away from the determining line. Now, it has been extended to the yellow speed line just before the pit wall ends and drivers exit back onto the track.

That first pit stall has always had a huge advantage, perhaps too much of an advantage. I think that this is an effort to make pit stops more competitive for whoever the pole winner is. It could have a big effect on the NASCAR Championship.

Here is Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports breaking it down in a video he tweeted out to followers.

The big change on pit road at Phoenix. The line that determines the order coming off pit road much further beyond where it used to be. It used to be just past pit pit and now it is the yellow speed line. I try to explain here: pic.twitter.com/MVH7CdDleH

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 7, 2024

And here is a simple picture showing the old line covered up in black and the yellow line off in the distance.

The big change on pit road at Phoenix. The line that determines the order coming off pit road much further beyond where it used to be. It used to be just past pit pit and now it is the yellow speed line. I try to explain here: pic.twitter.com/MVH7CdDleH

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 7, 2024

Pockrass also noted in a follow-up that this change could come to all tracks next season. NASCAR opted to start this procedure this weekend, and teams were aware of the change ahead of time.

So, another last-minute change at a very important race. It feels like we have been getting a lot of this recently. Tire changes, pit road changes, all on a moment’s notice or just sprung on fans and/or drivers as a whole.

Pros and cons of pit road change ahead of NASCAR Championship

Admittedly, I do not hate this change. At least, on its face. I think there are a number of tracks where the end of pit road, or at least where the line is now at most tracks, is too close to the first pit box. Yes, drivers on the pole should have the right to that advantage, but tracks like Phoenix took it a bit too far.

But why are we doing this now? Why can’t this wait until Bowman Gray Stadium or Daytona? Why now right before the championship? It is one of these decisions from NASCAR that is both a logical, reasonable choice, but just utilized at the wrong time.

When fans see things like this, it makes them question, why? Then all that does is lead to conspiracy theories about wanting a certain driver, or manufacturer, or organization, winning over the others.

NASCAR Championship Weekend is going to be a lot of fun. Let’s hope that this pit road change doesn’t somehow turn into a point of controversy.