NASCAR’s Turn 1 at Longest Frontstretch Puts Drivers to the Test

At the end of the longest frontstretch on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, Turn 1 stands out as a pivotal and perilous section for drivers, blending challenges and opportunities that can make or break a race. Professional driver Erik Jones recently highlighted the unique dynamics of this turn, noting its reputation for potential chaos and its significant influence on overall race strategy.

Jones, piloting the No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports Chevrolet, explained that Turn 1’s position at the end of the lengthy straightaway compels drivers to manage high speeds and heavy braking while jockeying for position. “I’ve got a feeling Turn 1 is going to be chaos,” Jones remarked, pointing to the combination of a fast approach and a technical corner that leaves little room for error.

The technical nature of Turn 1 is compounded by the track’s overall layout, which features multiple slow-speed sections and tight hairpin corners. Jones emphasized the importance of patience and precision, especially given the powerful but heavy Cup Series cars, which lack significant grip. “It’s a matter of taking your time and being easy with it,” he said. “You just have to be easy with the race car and get it to do its work and not really force it to do anything”.

Drivers and crew chiefs face strategic decisions about whether to optimize car setup for strong performance throughout the lap or to prioritize areas where passing is more feasible. Jones noted that the abundance of runoff space at certain tracks encourages more aggressive racing, but mistakes can be costly due to the risk of damage from track features like curbs and turtles.

As the Cup Series continues to visit tracks with demanding first turns, the spotlight remains on how drivers adapt their approach to maximize opportunities while minimizing risks at this critical point in the race.