NASCAR has altered its wet weather policy pertaining to teams using their own discretion when switching from wet-weather tires to slicks beginning this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway, the sanctioning body announced Sept. 16.
The changes state that going forward teams will have the choice to switch from wet-weather tires to slicks, a responsibility previously held by NASCAR.
NASCAR officials will still make the decision on if the race will begin under wet-weather conditions, but as the race proceeds and the track condition changes, teams will have the choice to switch to slick tires.
“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,” NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell said in announcing the decision. “There were a lot of strong opinions after New Hampshire [Motor Speedway], 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.”
After the green flag has flown, if NASCAR puts out a caution for rain and designates the racing surface as damp, the teams will then have the option to continue on wet weather tires or slicks.
If NASCAR designates pit road as damp, then any pit stops that take place under the caution flag will be noncompetitive; however, NASCAR also states that green-flag pit stops will remain competitive.
Previously, NASCAR would call a competition caution and direct teams to change to either wet-weather tires or slicks.
“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,” NASCAR’s John Probst said. “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.”
The oval tracks approved for wet-weather racing remain Bristol, Iowa Speedway, New Hampshire, Phoenix Raceway, Martinsville Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway and Richmond Raceway.
Logan Kendall joined the Frontstretch team in 2025 as the Tuesday news writer and eventually branched out into assisting with Frontstretch's social media and video team operations as well. Outside of motorsports, he has an interest in history, meteorology, and government.
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