NASCAR is bringing more horsepower and less downforce to Phoenix, but the package change comes with another unusual adjustment. With the Cup Series cars facing a different challenge at the one-mile oval, teams will have extra freedom to prepare their…

NASCAR Cup Series Managing Director Brad Moran has confirmed a rare rule change allowing teams to change brake pads without limit ahead of the race at Phoenix Raceway. This adjustment bypasses standard impound rules that penalize teams for replacing brake pads after qualifying, giving crews the flexibility to adapt their setups to the demanding one-mile oval.
The decision comes as the Cup Series introduces a 750-horsepower, low-downforce aerodynamic package that increases stress on braking systems. The rule modification follows severe brake and rotor issues that affected drivers such as Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin, and Ross Chastain in earlier races, with the new flexibility also set to apply at Martinsville Speedway.
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