Why Do NASCAR Teams Tape Their Brake Ducts?

Behind the Scenes with Niece Motorsports at Lime Rock Park

If you've ever walked through a NASCAR garage before a race, you've probably seen crew members applying strips of tape across the front of the truck. Most fans assume it's just another routine pre-race task.

It isn't.

While spending the weekend behind the scenes with Niece Motorsports at Lime Rock Park, I had the opportunity to watch Crew Chief Phil Gould preparing the No. 45 Chevrolet. As he taped the brake cooling ducts, I asked him a simple question:

Why?

His answer revealed something that many race fans never think about.

Brake Cooling Is a Balancing Act

It might seem logical to believe that more cooling is always better.

In reality, NASCAR brakes need to operate within the proper temperature range. If they become too cool, braking performance actually suffers. As Phil explained, brakes that are too cold can chatter and won't stop as effectively.

That's why race teams carefully control the amount of cooling air reaching the brakes.

Every Opening Has a Cost

Phil also pointed out another important factor.

The more openings you leave in the front grille, the more air enters the truck—but that also reduces front downforce.

Every strip of tape becomes a compromise between:

• Brake cooling

• Aerodynamic performance

The crew chief's job is finding the balance that works best for that specific race track.

There Is No Universal Setup

I asked Phil whether this process was more of an art than a science.

His answer was simple.

Every track is different, and every team keeps detailed notes.

Those notes become the starting point the next time they return to that circuit. Track conditions, weather, braking demands, and previous performance all influence the final setup.

What looks like a few pieces of tape on the nose of the truck is actually the result of years of engineering, testing, and experience.

Watch the Video

Troy's Take

This is exactly the kind of behind-the-scenes access I wanted to bring back from Lime Rock.

Most broadcasts show what happens on the track. I want to show what happens before the green flag ever drops.

As someone who's spent decades building, restoring, and tuning vehicles, I love asking the "why" questions. Every adjustment on a race vehicle has a purpose, and understanding those decisions gives you a whole new appreciation for the people behind the scenes.

Sometimes the smallest detail—like a strip of tape—can make a big difference.

More Data. Better Decisions.