In the world of NASCAR, where speed and strategy dominate, a lighthearted prank has recently shed light on an age-old racing myth. Cup Series driver Noah Gragson recounted a tale involving fellow drivers Chase Briscoe and Riley Herbst, where they humorously linked track grip levels to the moon’s waxing crescent phase.
The prank unfolded during a flight to Richmond Raceway. Gragson shared that Briscoe seized the moment to tease Herbst, who was anxious about the upcoming race. Briscoe jested that the waxing crescent moon would significantly increase track grip, suggesting they might need to adjust tire pressures accordingly. Herbst, unfamiliar with this fictitious correlation, became the target of the playful ruse.
Gragson elaborated, “We were on the plane going up to Richmond, and Chase Briscoe is like, ‘Man, (the track) is gonna be gripped up. It’s a waxing crescent.’ Riley’s like, ‘What does that mean?’ Briscoe goes, ‘Dude, we only race on a waxing crescent at night like every year and a half. It’s gonna be gripped up. We might have to run qualifying (tire) pressures during the whole race because it’ll be so gripped up.'”
This jest continued to ripple through the racing community, with other drivers and crew members joining in on the fun. The prank reached a point where Gragson called crew chief Richard Boswell to perpetuate the myth, further convincing others of its legitimacy.
However, Gragson later clarified that he doesn’t believe the moon phase affects track conditions, debunking the humorous conspiracy. This incident highlights the camaraderie among drivers and the light-hearted moments that can arise in the high-pressure world of motorsports.
While NASCAR is no stranger to conspiracy theories—from debates over race outcomes to speculations about team strategies—this recent prank serves as a reminder of the sport’s human side. It showcases how drivers, amidst intense competition, find moments to share laughs and build bonds, enriching the culture of the racing community.
As fans gear up for the upcoming races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, it’s these behind-the-scenes stories that add depth to the spectacle on the track, reminding us that beyond the machines and metrics, it’s the people and their stories that drive the sport forward.
