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Drivers React to NASCAR’s Safety Changes at Watkins Glen

Drivers React to NASCAR’s Safety Changes at Watkins Glen

Changes were made to Watkins Glen's iconic bus stop to ensure driver safety

Kyle Dager
May 22, 2024

Drivers React to NASCAR’s Safety Changes at Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen International, renowned for its high-speed chicanes and sweeping corners, has undergone some significant track modifications. Most notably, the alterations to the famous bus stop chicane have sparked reactions from all corners of the motorsport community.

Previously, the bus stop chicane at Watkins Glen was notorious for its high curbs that drivers would aggressively hop over gaining some decent air time and lets be honest, it looked damn cool. The modification involved flattening these curbs and adding what are known as "concrete turtles," which are intended to deter drivers from cutting the corners too sharply.

The new configuration made its debut on X and almost immediately was received with disappointment from fans and drivers alike.

Oh no… @WGI what have you done?!
— Parker Kligerman (@pkligerman)
2:33 PM • Apr 25, 2024

Kyle Larson, typically known for his aggressive past-the-limit driving style, would seem like the type of driver disappointed with these changes. However, he shared his insights on these changes. Larson emphasized the necessity of the modifications by sharing data collected from the Glen’s most recent Cup Series race, stating, "Something needed to be done. What was there before was not safe for the brain. Hopefully this is better." He explained that measurements taken during previous races showed significant G-force spikes as cars slammed off of the original curbs—spikes that could potentially lead to concussions or other injuries over time.

On a recent episode of The Money Lap, Landon Cassill reminisced on the iconic Bus Stop, “It's been pretty amazing watching some drivers like A.J. Almendinger, Marcos Ambrose, and Dario Franchitti go through that bus stop in a stock car in pretty amazing ways.”

The new layout is sure to lead to slower speeds through the chicane but it might not be all bad as it could open up new overtaking opportunities, as pointed out by Cassill. “And you know what would be interesting? What I hope. I hope you can't shortcut it. I hope if anything, they changed it. They slow it down to where it's more of a breaking zone.”

The heavier braking zone might not have the same Dukes of Hazzard-esque feel to it with big heavy stock cars jumping curbs at wreckless speeds. However, slowing the corner down will give drivers more opportunity to make a pass.

Whether or not you like the change, it looks like it’s here to stay. What do you think? Is the Bus Stop ruined? Or did NASCAR just improve an already great component of the track?

Let us know in the comments and if you want more deep dives into topics like this be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and listen to The Money Lap Podcast!