“Shouldn’t Be…to Save Race Teams”- Denny Hamlin Calls Out NASCAR’s Artificial Safety Nets Ruining Authenticity

NASCAR introduced competition cautions to give teams a chance to check their cars and assess tire wear, particularly when rain or other disruptions cancelled practice and qualifying, leaving teams with limited data before race day. One early example came at the 2003 Subway 400 at Rockingham. NASCAR scheduled a competition caution on Lap 45 after rain disrupted the previous day’s running, allowing teams to make mandatory pit stops. This move significantly helped teams adjust their setups and address potential issues before the race progressed.