Crew Chatter: New Hampshire/Kentucky

Fire up the scanner, it is time for Crew Chatter with Speedway Digest writers. This week we tackle New Hampshire and Kentucky with the question, “Should NASCAR get rid of post-race laser inspection?”

Katie Williams:

The LIS system has been a difficult process for some teams but I think it still needs to be done after a race. Cars get banged around oon the race track and you just never know what is done on purpose and what just got a little out of place during some hard racing.

I’ve never seen the system up close so I don’t know what all it checks. I kind of compare it to drug testing athletes. Inspect the top 10 finishers or even just the current ‘Chasers’. I feel like this is one of those problems that won’t be solved because teams are smart and look for ways to cut corners. I guess that’s why the penalties have to be more strict. I’ll be watching to see if it does have an impact on how the Chase race plays out.

Davey Segal:

This is NOT an easy question, by any means. So let’s take a brief look at both sides of the coin.

If NASCAR were to remove laser inspection from post-race inspection, one would think that the main things officials would look at would be tires, engines and give an “eye test” to the body of the race cars. However, it would leave much room

for possible rules infractions when it comes to skew, side skirts, etc.

If NASCAR were to keep the laser inspection in post-race inspection, it would eliminate any questions. Transparency is important in evert facet of life, and it should be no different in the premier form of North American

motorsport. Personally, I think NASCAR should KEEP post-race LIS. If you cheat, even by 0.001 inches, you should have consequences and be held to the highest standard.

Davey Segal:

This is NOT an easy question, by any means. So let’s take a brief look at both sides of the coin.

If NASCAR were to remove laser inspection from post-race inspection, one would think that the main things officials would look at would be tires, engines and give an “eye test” to the body of the race cars. However, it would leave much room

for possible rules infractions when it comes to skew, side skirts, etc.

If NASCAR were to keep the laser inspection in post-race inspection, it would eliminate any questions. Transparency is important in evert facet of life, and it should be no different in the premier form of North American

motorsport. Personally, I think NASCAR should KEEP post-race LIS. If you cheat, even by 0.001 inches, you should have consequences and be held to the highest standard.

Caleb Whisler: 

I believe that post-race LIS is needed because it allows for more transparency for fans and drivers. However, I applaud NASCAR for not penalizing for small infractions. The small infractions were resulting from damage done during the course of the event. NASCAR has been tasked from the teams to “save the them from themselves” and this is just the right step. Inspecting all current chasers will help level the playing field.  I will be surprised if we see any “encumbered” penalties in the near future. Hopefully, with the new rules announced this week, this is a step in the right direction. What will NASCAR do when the Chase is over about post-race LIS? That question still needs to be answered.

Caleb Whisler
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