NASCAR is rethinking how it handles race-control reviews by developing a new system that would give officials more real-time data to target cars that flee from on-track incidents. On a recent episode of his podcast “Hauler Talk,” VP of Racing Communications Mike Forde highlighted Cody Ware’s unfortunate slam over the weekend during the Cup Series race at Watkins Glen.
Ware, who was running in the top 20 behind HYAK Motorsports’ Ricky Stenhouse Jr., got loose and spun on the exit into turn 6, flipping him, and resulting in a heavy push into the tire barriers in turn 7. The incident was, by all accounts, very difficult to watch, so Ware is lucky he escaped with only a bent ARMCO Wall. Because of the damage, the No. 51 was deemed unable to continue the race, which dealt a major blow to Ware and the Rick Ware Racing team.
He now ranks 36th in the overall standings with 93 points. But the real question on everyone’s minds is how a caution was not issued after this incident? The answer, according to Forde, is that race director Tim Bermann saw only the start of the incident in turn 6, which explains why he saw only the initial contact and flip. Had Bermann witnessed this in real time, he would have noticed the track littered with debris, the yellow flag would have been dropped, and a caution issued.
So, how can this be prevented in the future? Forde believes the answer lies in developing a system that would allow spotters and other track personnel to receive information regarding incidents the moment they happen. The idea is to create data that can be retrieved from a data recorder, incidents analyzed immediately, and any information transmitted to a speedway’s scoring tower the second it happens.
The move signals a push for additional safety measures, and that’s exactly what the data pulled from these incidents will reflect: g-forces, acceleration, and severity. When will this happen? Seems sooner rather than later, as Forde revealed that VP of Safety Engineering John Patalak is already streamlining the system that will run on a McLaren Engine Control Unit (ECU).
There is no set time for when the system will be rolled out, but the aim is to have it ready for this weekend’s Cup Series All-Star race at Dover Motor Speedway, Forde says.”What’s going to happen, and I have no timetable on this, but this data is going to be sent to race control and then be able to be reviewed pretty quickly,” he explained.
Since 2012, NASCAR has used a standard ECU, also known as an Electronic Fuel Injection System, replacing traditional carburetors. This single-handedly set the bar for fuel and ignition management across the sport. The move to 2026 signals a major technical overhaul and a design that clearly surpasses the EFIs and will continue to carry the sport for years to come.
In Contrast, the new technology provides enhanced safety and more accurate data, pulled from the engine and chassis behavior in real time during a race. That’s what is important in all of this: as Forde mentioned, it’s essential to have real-time data, so when an incident occurs, it can be pinpointed at its source and handled before other mishaps can occur. It ensures safety for drivers, racers, and even crew members who may be caught in the crossfire. But will it make it to the garage before the green flag drops at the “Monster Mile” for the all-star race?
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