Trackhouse Racing has announced that it will defer the suspensions of its rear tire changer and jackman until after the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. This decision follows NASCAR’s new policy allowing teams to delay most suspensions by one race without filing a formal appeal, giving them time to prepare suitable replacements.
Why Trackhouse is Delaying the Suspensions
The Darlington race is one of the most demanding pit stop races of the season, due to its high tire wear and frequent green-flag pit cycles. Teams often make double-digit pit stops, making an experienced crew critical for maintaining track position.
By deferring the suspensions, Trackhouse ensures its No. 1 and No. 99 teams have their primary pit crew members in place for Darlington, where fast and mistake-free pit stops are crucial.
However, this means the suspended crew members will miss the following two races at:
• Bristol Motor Speedway (Concrete) – a short track where quick pit stops are still valuable, but fewer stops are expected.
• Talladega Superspeedway – where pit strategy matters, but drafting and on-track positioning play a bigger role than pit road speed.
NASCAR’s New Deferred Suspension Policy
Starting in 2025, NASCAR introduced a rule allowing teams to delay pit crew suspensions by one week in certain situations. The goal is to help teams secure adequate replacements without the added pressure of a last-minute scramble.
This does not apply to major infractions, such as loose wheels that detach during a race. However, for most pit crew violations, teams now have flexibility in timing their suspensions to minimize competitive disadvantages.
How This Affects Trackhouse Going Forward
Trackhouse’s decision highlights the strategic use of NASCAR’s new rule, as Darlington is arguably the most pit-stop-dependent race of the next three weeks. While losing key crew members for Bristol and Talladega isn’t ideal, those races typically see fewer stops and more emphasis on race strategy rather than pure pit speed.
This move reflects smart long-term thinking from Trackhouse, ensuring their best shot at a strong finish at Darlington while using the suspension period strategically in the following weeks.
