Ross Chastain, Shane van Gisbergen explain crucial track change at COTA

This year, NASCAR has made a change to the COTA track configuration. Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen have thoughts. Chastain has an average finish of P4 at COTA, including a win. And we know SVG will be a threat this weekend.

With how good Ross Chastain is at COTA and how talented SVG is on road courses, who best to explain the difference in the track? At Turn 6, the field will make a shortcut across the infield of the usual configuration that F1 uses and NASCAR used the last four years.

So, it’s like a shortcut across the track into Turn 12. Jeff Gluck of The Athletic posted comments from Chastain and van Gisbergen as they showed the media the new section of track.

“Yeah I kinda touched on it, how wide it is, but looking at it now you can see the surface change where it’s brand new there and looks about 50 years old here. So, it will be very slippery. So, you go from huge grip to no grip and then obviously the paint on the exit. That’s going to be the biggest challenge is the different grip levels.

“And then this bundle [tire barrier]. The bundle looks heavy but that’s still going to move, so every lap if someone clips it it will probably transfer a bit. Doesn’t really look like it’s bolted down, but yeah. It’s going to be a few variables I think, but yeah, same for everyone.”

Ross Chastain had his own thoughts.

“Well, it all starts on the entry. So, if you miss the entry it’s just going to carry you further out to the tire pack. But the tire pack ends before you would naturally hit the wall. … I guarantee we will explore more areas and lay rubber down in more awkward places. And the right side, getting to that with the right amount of speed and the angle will be key. But yeah, it’s just going to be, where that placement is, I won’t know until we drive it.”

Ross Chastain pointed out that the teams didn’t have a true simulation of the new track. The new addition was not scanned onto any of the Toyota, Chevy, or Ford simulators. So, the grip level and a few other variables will be completely new to these drivers this weekend.

I wouldn’t be shocked to see another top-five performance from Chastain this weekend. SVG will be fighting for the win. Of course, 18 year old Connor Zilisch is making his Cup Series debut. A lot of eyes will be on these Trackhouse Racing cars, including Daniel Suárez.