Team Penske Crew Member Reveals Major Single-Nut Pit Stop Problem in Strong Message to NASCAR

NASCAR driver Corie LaJoie and Team Penske tire changer Ryan “Skip” Flores recently discussed pit stop testing underway for 2022. Starting next year, NASCAR will debut the car Next-Gen, which will be radically different from the outgoing Gen 6.

One of the key elements of the new car will be the move from five-lug wheels to a single-lug wheel. The move aims to increase the speed and ease of pit stops for better, closer racing.

However, as with any change in any sport, it takes time to understand and adapt to the changes. And that’s what Flores described to LaJoie about the ongoing testing for pit crews. He explained the ‘good news is changing new tires and everything else is ‘difficult’.

What did the Team Penske tire changer say?

“Everyone thought it would be easier. Hard things pull on the tires, there are big brakes, and the tire digs deeper into the car. he said.

Flores added: “So the wheel face is now further out than the old tires and the wheel body sits about eight inches further onto the suspension than the old tires did.

He explained how difficult it is to remove the tire given the new car’s large brake rotors and brake calipers. Flores revealed that everyone is getting used to the new independent rear suspension and an overall understanding of the mechanics, when the wheel is firmly in place and when it is not.

New NASCAR tires may speed up tire changes but not make pit stops faster

While testing is underway and pit crews are getting used to the new tires and car, one thing to note here is that a quicker tire change may not lead to a quicker pit stop.

This is simply because the fuel flow and refueling procedure remains the same. So the time saved on changing tires may mean nothing in the grand scheme of things.

Whatever these hypotheses and predictions, what is certain is that changes will occur in 2022. And the teams are working to adapt to the situation. Next generation car, which will be a big step for NASCAR into the future.