The Circuit of The Americas (COTA) has quickly become a beloved venue in NASCAR. This track added in 2021 offers a unique blend of speed and strategy that challenges even the most seasoned drivers. From Chase Elliott’s inaugural win in 2021 after Cole Custer’s car bursting into flames, which was shortened due to heavy rain, to Tyler Reddick’s victory in 2023, each race has brought its own set of challenges and controversies.
This season has been no exception, with drivers and fans alike questioning NASCAR’s handling of track limits. Amidst this backdrop, Chris Buescher has stepped forward with a bold solution to address the ongoing debate. His frustration is palpable, but his proposed fix could be just what NASCAR needs to restore clarity and fairness to the sport.
Chris Buescher’s Call to Action for simplifying track limits at COTA
Chris Buescher’s recent performance at COTA highlighted his resilience, finishing seventh and getting his best result to date in the five appearances he has made at the Austin, Texas, track. However, his focus soon shifted to the ongoing debate about track limits. Buescher, like many other drivers, believes the track limits enforcement had caused unnecessary confusion among drivers during the race.
Chris Buescher expressed frustration over the inconsistent policing of corners, stating, “How we keep having these discussions of certain corners are going to be policed and others aren’t.” A lot of changes were introduced by NASCAR regarding track limits very close to the race than what they had in place on Thursday and Friday.
In a pre-race meeting, the drivers were informed that “Vehicles must run the full course at all times” and that they “Will be judged as missing or shortcutting when all four tires are on the non-track side of the red and white rumble strips that define the apex of the turns.”
However, this rule went for a toss during the race. Drivers were later informed that the track limits rule was only enforced at turns 3, 4, and 5. Turn 6, however, was wide open for drivers to cut. This led to drivers like Shane van Gisbergen constantly exploiting the S curve, specifically gaining an advantage over Kyle Busch. This didn’t go well with The Rowdy driver.
Buescher proposed a straightforward solution. “Just put physical barriers up is my thought process.” He cited the effectiveness of barriers in turns 6A and 6B, where no one attempted to shortcut the racetrack. This approach could eliminate confusion and ensure all drivers follow the same rules. However, NASCAR had considered using barriers but decided against it due to safety concerns.
Chris Buescher’s frustration was evident when he noted, “They cut off four feet of the apex of turn 6. I’m sure that was better. I didn’t know that was an option.” If Buescher knew he could get away with cutting corners at Turn 6, even he might have attempted to do it to gain an advantage. He could have even ended in a better position at the end of the race.
Buescher’s suggestion resonates with fans and drivers alike, who are seeking clarity and fairness in NASCAR’s enforcement of track limits. By implementing physical barriers or consistent enforcement, NASCAR could reduce controversy and focus on the racing itself. This could enhance the overall experience for both competitors and spectators.
COTA: A track marred by track limits controversies
COTA has become synonymous with track limit controversies, particularly in the esses section. In the 2024 races, a total of 40 penalties were issued across the three national series for drivers short-cutting the course and other infractions. This included 20 penalties in the Craftsman Truck Series and 16 in the Xfinity Series. The Cup Series race saw 4 penalties being handed out, all for exceeding track limits at turn 4.
Notably, Shane van Gisbergen experienced one of the most significant disappointments due to a track limit infraction at COTA. Initially finishing second to Kyle Larson in the Xfinity Series race, van Gisbergen was penalized 30 seconds. Why? For cutting the course short on the final lap. This penalty dropped him from second place to 27th, highlighting the impact of inconsistent track limit enforcement.
The track limits issue persists primarily due to COTA’s layout. The unique twists and turns offer opportunities for drivers to gain time by cutting corners. This is irrespective of whether NASCAR opts for the full-length course or the ‘National Layout‘ as they did this year. NASCAR’s inconsistent enforcement of track limits exacerbates the problem, leading to confusion among teams and drivers.
NASCAR, this year, has accepted that it has made a mistake in enforcing track limits at the Lone Star State racetrack. However, they need to come up with a permanent solution to address these track limit controversies. The ongoing debates and penalties degrade the sport, shifting focus away from the racing itself. A clear and consistent approach to enforcing track limits is essential to restore integrity and excitement to NASCAR events at COTA.
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