NASCAR’s post-race cooldown laps have become a hot topic after Trackhouse Racing drivers steered their cars through the infield grass at World Wide Technology Raceway. The maneuver, seemingly harmless, has sparked concern among officials and fans alike, raising questions about fairness, safety, and adherence to procedural rules. NASCAR’s Cup Series Managing Director Brad Moran signaled that stricter enforcement is imminent, especially as the playoffs continue into races like Bristol, where post-race conduct could carry serious consequences.
Key Highlights
Trackhouse drivers Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen drove through the grass on cooldown laps at Gateway.
NASCAR is investigating the tactic as a potential attempt to skirt minimum-weight inspections.
Brad Moran announced stricter enforcement starting at Bristol to clarify rules on post-race maneuvers.
Fans expressed strong opinions, emphasizing safety, fairness, and track character preservation.
NASCAR will meet with Trackhouse management and crew chiefs to address concerns before upcoming races.
The Legacy of the Grass Pass
In NASCAR history, the “grass pass” is iconic. Dale Earnhardt’s 1987 All-Star Race move at Charlotte remains legendary, where he maintained the lead despite being shoved into the infield. Back then, such moments highlighted driver skill and grit. Today, however, the practice is far more controversial. Driving through grass is no longer merely a display of daring—it can interfere with post-race inspections, including minimum weight verification, and can provoke penalties.
At Gateway, the enjoyment of speed collided with strategic controversy. Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen deliberately navigated their Chevys through the grass on cooldown laps. While it appeared harmless, veteran Corey LaJoie suggested on X that this was a calculated effort to pick up debris—like grass, rocks, or rubber—to potentially influence weight readings during playoff checks. NASCAR officials have taken note, warning teams that tolerance for such maneuvers is waning.
NASCAR’s Response and Brad Moran’s Warning
Brad Moran made the stakes clear in an interview on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio:
“We have rules that could put the teams in a real bad spot when we see that. So, we’ll make it pretty clear to them, moving forward, starting at Bristol, what that means.” – Brad Moran
🗣️ "We'll be having some discussions with Trackhouse."#NASCAR's Brad Moran says they will talk with Trackhouse Racing after two of their cars drove through the grass during the cool-down lap at @WWTRaceway.
More –> https://t.co/MKhd9eLpQA pic.twitter.com/DsSHPFUSuV
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) September 9, 2025
Moran’s warning is a clear signal to Trackhouse and the broader field. NASCAR intends to meet with team management and crew chiefs to clarify acceptable behavior during cooldown laps, especially regarding infield grass or similar post-race maneuvers. Bristol, which lacks infield grass, may prevent repetition of Gateway’s controversy, but officials are increasing scrutiny at all tracks.
Teams now face the reality that a seemingly minor action can have playoff implications, as seen last year when Alex Bowman was disqualified for failing a weight check at the Charlotte ROVAL.
NASCAR Fan Reactions and Safety Concerns
Fans quickly took to social media to voice opinions, reflecting both humor and frustration.
“Absolutely no running through the grass at Bristol. Just simply won’t be tolerated this week.” – Fan Reaction
“Don’t even THINK about doing it at Phoenix either!” – Fan Reaction
“Honestly that might have been a great job. Being the groundskeeper for the grass in the Martinsville turns. I miss the grass so much. All the tracks are losing character when they pave over the grass IMO.” – Fan Reaction
“Enforce the rulebook at the first offense. This encourages rule breaking if teams know they will just get a ‘reminder’ next time.” – Fan Reaction
“Trackhouse when they realize it’s Bristol.” – Fan Reaction
Fans highlighted the tension between preserving track character and ensuring fairness. While some miss the nostalgia of grassy turns, most agreed NASCAR must enforce rules consistently to prevent manipulation or unsafe practices.
The Stakes Heading Into Bristol
The playoffs add pressure to every decision. With the Round of 16 elimination race at Bristol looming, NASCAR’s crackdown carries weight. Teams now know that minor infractions during cooldown laps can jeopardize championship aspirations. The Gateway controversy serves as a reminder that procedural integrity is crucial, and officials are prepared to act swiftly to maintain fairness. Trackhouse Racing, along with all teams, faces heightened scrutiny, and Bristol will serve as the first real test of NASCAR’s renewed enforcement.
News in Brief: NASCAR Threatens Teams Over Risky Track Moves
NASCAR is tightening rules after Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen drove through infield grass at Gateway on cooldown laps. The tactic may have been used to affect minimum-weight inspections, prompting Managing Director Brad Moran to warn teams of stricter enforcement starting at Bristol. Fans reacted strongly, emphasizing safety, fairness, and nostalgia for historic grass turns. NASCAR plans meetings with Trackhouse management and crew chiefs before upcoming races.
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