NASCAR is making a change to the pre-race process for the upcoming race weekend in Avondale, Arizona.
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According to an update from NASCAR, teams will be given the option to remove and replace front brake rotors and pads only after practice and qualifying at Phoenix Raceway on Saturday (4:30 p.m. ET on truTV).
The teams are not allowed to change any other brake system components during this process.
NASCAR also notes that the teams will still be permitted to inspect their rear brake rotors during the pre-race adjustment period on Sunday. If they discover any rotor issues, NASCAR will make a decision about allowed changes on a case-by-case basis.
"There's no limit," Cup Series Managing Director Brad Moran said during an appearance on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. "If a team chooses to change their brake pads, it's on them to do so.
"The rotors, we've always allowed rotor changes if they've been damaged. That's been since 2022. There's no real change there. Some teams prefer not to change them."
Moran noted that one reason for this decision is the fact that Phoenix Raceway uses the new high-horsepower, low-downforce package that debuted this season. The cars have 750 horsepower available for the Cup Series race.
This decision also comes after the Chase race at World Wide Technology Raceway in which multiple drivers crashed due to brake rotor issues. World Wide Technology Raceway is similar to Phoenix Raceway in that it is a flatter oval with heavy braking.
The Sept. 13 race at WWT Raceway featured a track record 18 cautions and a double overtime finish as Kyle Larson won. The race also had two red flag stoppages for cleanup.
Zane Smith goes around, bringing Stage 2 to an end under caution. pic.twitter.com/oN9teno1Lq
— NASCAR on USA (@NASCARonUSA) September 13, 2026
Chris Buescher, Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, Zane Smith, Noah Gragson, and multiple other drivers had broken brake rotors that led to them hitting the wall. Elliott also collected Chase Briscoe after his brake failure.
"I knew that there had been some issues throughout the day, obviously," Elliott said after a 31st-place finish. "I was right behind Ryan (Blaney) when he blew his.
"I guess it's kind of the luck of the draw, unfortunately. I just went to make a move on the No. 19 (Chase Briscoe) there. I stepped on the brakes, exploded a rotor and that was about it."
