Veteran NASCAR Crew Chief Drops a 6-Word Blunt Verdict on Texas Track Troubles

Veteran Crew Chief Rodney Childers’ Blunt Fix for Texas Motor Speedway’s Troubles
Rodney Childers, a seasoned NASCAR crew chief with a 2014 Cup Series championship under his belt, has delivered a stark six-word verdict to address the chaos at Texas Motor Speedway: “Get rid of that one bump.” This blunt recommendation comes after a tumultuous Würth 400 race on May 4, 2025, where 12 cautions over 73 laps highlighted the track’s persistent issues, particularly a notorious bump in Turns 3 and 4 that has plagued drivers since the track’s 2017 reconfiguration .

The Problem: Texas’ “Weird” Configuration and the Deadly Bump

Texas Motor Speedway’s redesign in 2017 created an asymmetrical layout:

• Turns 1 & 2: Wide and flattened, requiring drivers to treat them like a short track with heavy braking.
• Turns 3 & 4: Narrower and high-speed, but marred by a treacherous bump near the tunnel that destabilizes cars, especially with the Next-Gen chassis.

The bump has become a critical flaw, causing drivers like Josh Berry to lose control mid-race. Berry, who led 41 laps, crashed after hitting the bump, finishing 32nd. Joey Logano, the race winner, echoed the danger, stating, “If you are a little free and it hits the limiter, it’s gone” .

Childers’ Solution and NASCAR’s Dilemma

Childers’ proposal focuses on precision: grinding the problematic bump rather than overhauling the entire track. He argues this would allow drivers to use higher lanes safely, improving racing dynamics. However, the track’s broader challenges—like the unusable upper lanes and inconsistent tire wear—complicate matters. Freddie Kraft, co-host of Door, Bumper, Clear, noted the upper groove feels like “falling off a cliff,” limiting passing opportunities .

Historical Context and Credibility

Childers’ expertise stems from his success at Texas with Kevin Harvick, a nine-time winner at the track. His deep understanding of the pre-2017 layout adds weight to his critique. Meanwhile, the 2025 race underscored the urgency: eight of 13 lap leaders crashed, and the Next-Gen car’s sensitivity to side-by-side racing exacerbated spins .

Will NASCAR Listen?

While Childers’ fix seems straightforward, Texas’ reputation as a “chaos creator” raises questions about whether NASCAR will prioritize safety over the track’s unpredictable drama. With Kansas Speedway—another 1.5-mile oval—next on the calendar, the sport faces pressure to address intermediate-track challenges.

In summary, Childers’ six-word verdict cuts to the core of Texas’ troubles. Whether NASCAR acts on it may determine if the track remains a thrilling challenge or becomes synonymous with avoidable danger.