NASCAR Announces Lifter System for Flat Tires

New NASCAR flat tire lift system details

Design and functionality

• Rear damper lifters: The NASCAR air-line lift for tire issues includes lifters attached to the rear dampers (shock absorbers) of NASCAR Cup cars
• Air-line activation: Safety crews can use an air tank and valve near the driver-side window to inflate the lifter, raising the car 2-3 inches to address flat tire problems
• Quick connect device: A quick connect device for the NASCAR flat tire lift system is installed along the A-post of the Cup cars for easy access
• Manual triggering: The recovery actuator assemblies in the NASCAR air-line lift for tire issues are manually triggered, likely through one-time disconnecting parts

Implementation and usage of the NASCAR flat tire lift system

• Optional installation: The NASCAR-announced lifter system for flat tires is optional for teams to install, with about a third of teams having done so as of August 2024
• Michigan International Speedway debut: NASCAR allowed teams to run the Ohlins rear damper with lift actuator for flat tires beginning at the Michigan International Speedway race on August 18, 2024
• Pit road deactivation: When the car reaches pit road, a valve is hit to lower the rear of the car back to the ground, completing the use of the NASCAR flat tire lift system

Benefits and safety considerations of the NASCAR air-line lift for tire issues

Advantages

• Reduced recovery time: The NASCAR-announced lifter system for flat tires aims to improve safety by reducing time lost when a car gets stuck on the track with a flat tire
• Prevent further incidents: Allowing drivers to limp back to pit road more quickly using the NASCAR flat tire lift system can potentially avoid additional accidents
• Maintain platform integrity: Implementing the NASCAR air-line lift for tire issues instead of changing ride height or removing the diffuser maintains the integrity of the Next Gen car platform

Safety measures for the NASCAR flat tire lift system

• Safety wire requirement: The rear damper assembly in the NASCAR-announced lifter system for flat tires must always be connected to a safety wire with a minimum thickness of 0.025 inches, attached to the piston
• Controlled activation: The actuator control for the NASCAR flat tire lift system is with a NASCAR official and not the teams, ensuring proper usage
• Rear-wheel only application: NASCAR won't permit the use of the air-line lift system for tire issues on the front wheels, and it must be placed on both rear dampers

FAQ

What is the NASCAR flat tire lift system?

The NASCAR flat tire lift system is an optional air-line lift system that allows cars to be raised 2-3 inches to drive back to pit road when experiencing flat tires. It attaches to the rear dampers and can be activated by safety crews using an air tank and valve near the driver's window.

How does the NASCAR air-line lift for tire issues work?

Safety crews use an air tank and valve near the driver-side window to inflate lifters attached to the rear dampers. This raises the car 2-3 inches, allowing it to drive back to pit road despite having a flat tire. Once on pit road, a valve is hit to lower the car back to the ground.

When did NASCAR announce the lifter system for flat tires?

NASCAR announced the lifter system for flat tires in 2024, with teams allowed to run the Ohlins rear damper with lift actuator beginning at the Michigan International Speedway race on August 18, 2024.

Is the NASCAR flat tire lift system mandatory for all teams?

No, the NASCAR flat tire lift system is optional for teams to install. As of August 2024, about a third of teams had chosen to implement the system on their cars.

What are the benefits of the NASCAR air-line lift for tire issues?

The system improves safety by reducing recovery time when a car gets stuck on the track with a flat tire, potentially preventing further incidents. It also maintains the integrity of the Next Gen car platform by avoiding changes to ride height or removing the diffuser.