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NASCAR plans to add a traction compound to the surface of Dover Motor Speedway.

NASCAR plans to add resin to the surface of Dover Motor Speedway ahead of Sunday’s Cup Series All-Star Race. The traction compound spray is being laid down in an effort to create multi-groove racing and allow the 1.0-mile track to rubber in.

NASCAR’s plan to put resin on “The Monster Mile” was discussed on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio with James Small, crew chief for Joe Gibbs Racing driver Chase Briscoe.

NASCAR set to spray resin ‘from top to bottom’ in Dover turns

Small’s comments were brought to light on social media by motorsports insider Jeff Gluck. The crew chief said NASCAR plans to spray resin across the entire 24-degree banked turns of Dover Motor Speedway. 

“On (SiriusXM NASCAR Radio), James Small says his understanding is NASCAR will put PJ1/resin from top to bottom in the corners (all the way, every lane covered) for the All-Star Race at Dover this weekend,” Gluck wrote via X.

FOX motorsports reporter Bob Pockrass added to the resin conversation on social media. Pockrass said the resin will be similar to the type put down at Nashville Superspeedway, rather than the PJ1 at Bristol Motor Speedway.

The insider went on to say the traction compound prior to the weekend of on-track action as NASCAR is hopeful the track will be rubbered in before the All-Star Race.

“My understanding is the resin (like at Nashville, not like PJ1 at Bristol) will be applied at Dover and the plan at this point is to do it once before the start of the weekend and then likely not again. Will help get track to be rubbered in,” Pockrass wrote via X.

Resin is used in NASCAR to try and increase grip on the racetrack. It is a liquid chemical compound that enhances a stock car’s traction. The traction compound has been used at tracks such as Nashville, Bristol, and Auto Club Speedway.  

On top of the new All-Star Race format, the addition of resin to the racing surface adds a unique element to this weekend’s on-track festivities. 

NASCAR’s new All-Star Race format explained

For the first time in history, Dover Motor Speedway is the site of NASCAR’s All-Star Race. With $1 million on the line, NASCAR has also brought a new All-Star Race format to the table this year. 

Unlike other years, every driver will begin the 350-lap All-Star Race. Qualifying will be a two-lap run, with the first lap being at full speed and the second lap showcasing the Mechanix Wear Pit Crew Challenge.

On the second lap, each driver will make a trip down pit road for a four-tire pit stop, then exit pit road and make it back around to the start/finish line. The total time from green to checkered flag will determine the starting lineup for segment one.

The race is broken up into three segments of 75/75/200 laps. At the end of the second segment, the field is cut down to 26 drivers. Cup Series winners from 2025 and 2026, past Cup Series champions, and the fan vote winner will all make the final cut.

The rest of the 26-car field will be determined by the lowest combined finishing positions in the first two segments.

NASCAR’s All-Star Race is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. Eastern time. The race can be watched on FS1 or listened to on the Motor Racing Network.