Monday Morning Pit Box: NASCAR Takes Strategy Out of Teams’ Hands Late at New Hampshire
The teams transitioned to wet-weather tires and non-competitive pit stops after the lengthy rain delay in Loudon.
The teams transitioned to wet-weather tires and non-competitive pit stops after the lengthy rain delay in Loudon.
Two-tire calls helped boost a few drivers to better stage and race finishes.
Some teams made the right pit calls at Sonoma, while others did not fare as well in Wine Country.
Cindric and Logano rode the strategy to top-five finishes, but Blaney came up just one lap short on fuel.
Hamlin and Buescher lost several spots on pit road due to issues exiting their pit stalls.
The softer tire compound was the way to go at North Wilkesboro, and the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing team won the Pit Crew Challenge.
The two-time Cup Series champion finished outside the top 20 and is now 30 points behind the playoff cutline.
Teams up and down pit road made split decisions on how best to make it to the end in the Heartland.
One Hendrick team took the lead on a clutch pit stop while another fell victim to the pit road gremlins.
Toyota got the win, but it could have been an even better day for the manufacturer at Talladega.