NASCAR is making a change to help keep drivers safe at Phoenix Raceway this weekend. On Wednesday, officials announced that Cup Series teams will be allowed to replace front brake pads and rotors after practice and qualifying.

The decision comes about a month after several cars had brake failures during the Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway on September 13. That track is similar to Phoenix because both are flat ovals where drivers rely heavily on their brakes.

NASCAR hopes the new rule will help teams prepare their cars and prevent more brake problems during Sunday’s race.

Why Is NASCAR Making This Change?

Brakes are an important part of racing, especially at tracks where drivers must slow down quickly before entering a turn. If a car’s brakes fail, the driver could lose control and put themselves and other competitors in danger.

At World Wide Technology Raceway, multiple Cup Series cars experienced brake failures during the race. Because Phoenix has similar track features, NASCAR is giving teams more freedom to check their brakes and replace parts if needed.

Brad Moran, NASCAR’s Cup Series senior managing director, explained the decision Wednesday on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s The Morning Drive.

Moran said teams would be allowed to inspect their brakes and change brake pads if they believe it is necessary. He also noted that this is unusual during an impound practice, when teams normally face limits on the work they can do to their cars.

Teams Will Have More Freedom to Work on Their Brakes

Under the updated procedure, teams will not have a set limit on when they can replace their front brake pads and rotors after practice and qualifying.

Moran explained that there are no specific requirements teams must meet before making a brake change. Each team can decide whether its car needs new parts.

NASCAR is also allowing teams to complete other work in the brake area. The goal is to give crews enough time and freedom to make sure their cars are ready for Sunday’s race.

This change could be important because brake problems can affect a driver’s ability to slow down and move safely through traffic. By allowing teams to check and replace parts, NASCAR hopes to reduce the chance of another brake failure at Phoenix.

Phoenix Is Using More Horsepower This Season

The brake changes come during a season that has also brought a change in engine power at shorter tracks.

Toward the end of the 2025 season, NASCAR announced that tracks shorter than 1.5 miles would use a 750-horsepower engine package. That is an increase from the previous 670-horsepower setup.

Phoenix Raceway was the first traditional oval track to use the package in March. Ryan Blaney won that race and currently sits fifth in the Chase standings.

With more horsepower, drivers must manage their speed and braking as they race around the track. Making sure the brakes are working properly will be an important part of preparing for the upcoming event.

The Chase Continues at Phoenix

Sunday’s race at Phoenix Raceway is the seventh of 10 events in the battle for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series championship.

Defending champion Kyle Larson leads the standings by 49 points over Denny Hamlin. With only four races remaining after Phoenix, every point could make a difference in the championship fight.

The race is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday. Fans can watch on USA Network and HBO Max or listen on MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

What This Means for Sunday’s Race

NASCAR’s decision gives teams another chance to make sure their cars are ready before Sunday’s race. After the brake failures at World Wide Technology Raceway, officials want to reduce the risk of similar problems at Phoenix.

Allowing teams to replace brake pads and rotors may seem like a small rule change, but it could have a major impact on safety. Drivers need reliable brakes to compete at high speeds, especially on tracks that require frequent and heavy braking.

As the championship battle heats up, teams will be looking for every possible advantage. However, making sure their cars are safe and reliable will be just as important as finding more speed.

Fans will be watching to see whether the updated procedure helps prevent brake problems and keeps the focus on the racing as the Cup Series moves closer to crowning its 2026 champion.