NASCAR Cup Series Managing Director Brad Moran addressed concerns over long stage-break cautions following the recent race at Martinsville Speedway. The issue drew attention after drivers and fans noticed extended time under yellow during stage transitions. In one case, nearly 19 laps were run before the race returned to green.
The delays came as broadcast coverage showed pit stops and commercial segments. The situation led to public comments from drivers, including Denny Hamlin, who questioned the length of the cautions. NASCAR responded through Moran, who explained how timing, race conditions, and broadcast coordination all played a role in the outcome during the race weekend.
Denny Hamlin Questions the Length of Cautions
Hamlin raised concerns about how long the field stayed under yellow during the race. “We’re running too long under caution. We have to find a way to shorten them up, but we won’t shorten them up as long as we’re doing what we’re doing in the sense of ‘TV has to catch the pit stops live.”
He pointed to a specific moment during the race to explain his frustration. “It was a single-car wreck, there’s [no] debris on the track, there’s no clean-up to be had, and it’s just yellow, yellow, yellow. I’m like, ‘Choose already.”
His comments reflected a wider reaction from drivers and fans who followed the race. The extended cautions became a key topic after the event, especially given how the delays affected the overall rhythm and flow of the race on a short track.
NASCAR Cup Series Managing Director Brad Moran Explains Martinsville Caution Delays
Moran mentioned on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio that the timing of the caution posed challenges late in the race stage. “We kind of had the perfect storm at Martinsville at the end of stage one. There was a caution with about three laps to go, and that puts our broadcast partners in a tough spot.”
He explained that NASCAR and its TV partners aim to balance race coverage with broadcast needs. “Our goal, along with the broadcaster’s goal, is to get as much green-flag racing as possible. They also want to show pit stops for fans at home, and that can affect how things play out.”
Moran added that the race had few interruptions before that late caution. “It was a mostly caution-free stage until late, and that doesn’t always help with TV windows.”
He confirmed that NASCAR maintains constant contact with its broadcast partners during these moments. “We are in contact with them every caution. We have someone in the tower dedicated to that communication, and we try to sort it out in real time.”
NASCAR Looks to Improve Stage Break Timing
Moran acknowledged that the delay at Martinsville did not meet expectations. “We didn’t like how long it took at Martinsville. We’re aware of it, and we’re working with our broadcast partners to minimize it.”
He said NASCAR may consider adjustments in the future while keeping the focus on race flow. “We may look at different procedures down the road, but the goal is always to give fans as much green-flag racing as possible.”
Moran also noted that the track itself played a role in how the delays were perceived. “Being at the smallest track we race at, it really magnifies those delays.”
The Martinsville race brought attention to how stage breaks are managed. NASCAR’s response shows the issue is under review as the season continues, with further evaluation expected in upcoming events.
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