NASCAR: 5 Predictions For The O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 At Texas

Repaved Track Will Be a Problem

Back in November of 2016, Texas Motor Speedway was repaved and besides for a new surface, the banking in Turns one and two went from 24 degrees to 20, and the track was widen in these sections from around 60 feet to 80.

Now drivers are getting ready to race around a track that may end up feeling completely different from what it was like a year ago, and to make it even worse this weekend will be the first time cars from the Monster Energy Series are on the track.

Drivers and teams were not allowed to test here, and everyone will be going into this weekend looking to make adjustments to find a way to come out of Texas with a victory.

It’s already starting to look bad for some teams, as drivers like Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch have spun out during the first practice session. These two veterans weren’t the only ones with issues though as both Erik Jones and Chase Elliott hit the wall hard and will now need to go to back up cars for the start of the race.

Repaves on a track can be difficult for drivers and teams for several races following the change. It’s one thing to re-do the surface because it’s gotten old and needs to be cleaned up, but changing the banking can completely change a track from what it once was and it’s already showing at Texas.

Expect several drivers to run into issues on Sunday as they try to adjust to the new surface of Texas Motor Speedway.