NASCAR planning changes to Phoenix Raceway dogleg over driver safety concerns

NASCAR is planning modifications to the dogleg shortcut at Phoenix Raceway due to ongoing driver safety concerns. Officials raised alarms as early as August during a competition meeting regarding the severe g-force loads drivers experience when transitioning from the banking to the apron. Data monitoring mouthpiece sensors worn by competitors revealed significant physical impacts during these maneuvers.

Driver Bubba Wallace expressed support for alterations, emphasizing the long-term physical risks posed by the current layout. While Wallace estimated the forces to be exceptionally high, actual readings reportedly sit in the low 10s of g-force. To address the issue, NASCAR is considering smoothing out the banking to lessen the jarring transition for drivers.