Road courses

Infineon Raceway

Location: Sonoma, Calif.
Completed: 1968
Length: 1.99 miles
Shape: Road Course
Turns: 12
Banking: 0 degrees
Seating: N/A

Analysis: Infineon Raceway is one of two race tracks on the circuit where the racing is so different that teams will regularly bring in specialist drivers to compete. These drivers are known as "road course ringers," due to their skill and experience on these flat tracks with right hand turns. Another unique feature at Infineon is the track's changes in elevation. As far as the setup, drivers want a balanced car that can turn in both directions. The course requires a lot of shifting, so the car's transmission is a major concern. Passing is difficult, so qualifying and track position is important. Pit strategy is usually planned in advance, and pit stops are not necessarily dictated by cautions.

Watkins Glen International

Location: Watkins Glen, N.Y.
Completed: 1948
Length: 2.45 miles
Shape: Road Course
Turns: 11
Banking: 0 degrees
Seating: N/A

Analysis: Like Infineon, Watkins Glen International brings out the road course specialists to handle a track with no banking and right turns. Qualifying is important, as is and track position. Pit strategy at the course is very different from other tracks. Teams do not depend on cautions to dictate when they pit. Cars do not go a lap down when pitting under green, so a caution coming out while a team is in the pits can be an advantage. Pit boxes are on the right, further differentiating the track for pit crews. Passes usually result from outbraking another car into the corner. Most passes take place in Turn 1, the inner loop or Turn 6. Unlike other Sprint Cup races, cars are set up to qualify and race in the rain, if necessary.

Also see:
Short track analysis
Intermediate track analysis
Superspeedway analysis
Track details overview