NASCAR warned teams about spraying pit stalls at Las Vegas Motor Speedway because a traction substance resulted in a discoloration of the concrete.
During the latest episode of the “Hauler Talk” podcast, Mike Forde, vice president of racing communications, said teams are allowed to use clear substances to help improve traction in the pits for cars and pit crews. But at Las Vegas, a white substance appeared in some stalls and could have impacted officiating to determine whether a car is positioned correctly in its box.
RELATED: Las Vegas results | Chase Report: Where we stand post-Las Vegas
“If it’s a white substance that extends past the lines or especially that outward line, that is going to affect our equipment,” Forde said. “So you don’t want to interfere with the technology that we use to call penalties.”
Amanda Ellis, senior director of racing communications, noted that NASCAR Cup Series teams have been requesting approval to clean off compounds in their pit stalls before races dating to last year because of discoloration.
There’s a lengthy history of substances being used in the pits by teams, including pouring carbonated beverages in pit stalls for better traction.
Forde said NASCAR was exploring if the nearly 100-degree temperature in Las Vegas affected the substances in the pit stalls this weekend.
MORE: Charlotte schedule
“We don’t have a list of chemicals or products that you’re allowed to use, but this one was something that has been used before, and why it turned the color it did is still being looked at,” Forde said.
Other topics covered during the 72nd episode of “Hauler Talk,” which explores competition issues in NASCAR:
— The disqualification of Brandon Jones’ No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota for missing lug nuts after a crash in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race.
— The last-lap incident with Kyle Larson that led to Tyler Reddick taking a detour through the pits, and how speed limit rules are applied in those instances.
— How the damage to Larson’s No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet was assessed for post-race inspection procedures.
— Why there was no yellow flag for Denny Hamlin’s spin near the end of Stage 1.
— What happened to the restart order when Hamlin’s car lost fuel pressure while lining up.
— NASCAR’s return to the Charlotte Motor Speedway oval in the Chase presented by Mobil 1.
Click on the embed below to listen or search for “Hauler Talk” wherever you download podcasts to hear it on your phone, tablet or mobile device.
Nate Ryan has written about NASCAR since 1996 while working at the San Bernardino Sun, Richmond Times-Dispatch, USA Today Co. and for the past 10 years at NBC Sports Digital. He is a contributor to the “Hauler Talk” show on the NASCAR Podcast Network. He has also covered various other motorsports, including the IndyCar and IMSA series.