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This article reflects on the valuable role of morning warm-up sessions in Formula 1, advocating for their importance from a fan's viewpoint. While F1's current CEO, Stefano Domenicali, suggests shortening Grand Prix weekends, the author, Gary Watkins, expresses a deep appreciation for the lost track time. He argues that these brief sessions provided crucial opportunities for spectators to observe and understand the intricacies of the cars and drivers before the main event, fostering a deeper connection to the sport. Watkins recounts personal anecdotes to highlight how these moments contributed to the overall experience and narrative of a race weekend, suggesting that sports thrive on developing storylines, not just instant gratification.

The Enduring Charm of Early Morning Track Sessions in Formula 1

In the vibrant realm of Formula 1, recent discussions initiated by CEO Stefano Domenicali about potentially reducing Grand Prix weekend durations have stirred a wave of nostalgia among veteran enthusiasts. Gary Watkins, a seasoned motorsports journalist, stands firmly in defense of the once-integral morning warm-up sessions, which have been absent from F1 for over two decades.

Watkins candidly admits that from a journalistic standpoint, these half-hour slots of track time didn't directly facilitate his work in the paddock. However, his perspective shifts dramatically when considering the fan experience. For a devoted follower attending a race, these early morning runs were an indispensable part of the viewing ritual. They offered a unique opportunity to witness the cars in action, familiarize oneself with any last-minute modifications, and gain a visceral understanding of the machines before the adrenaline-fueled start of the race. Watkins recalls instances where these warm-ups were critical for identifying subtle yet significant changes, such as the innovative front wing on Richard Lloyd's Porsche 956 at the 1984 Brands Hatch WEC round, which was cobbled together from a Ralt Formula 3 wing.

He vividly paints a picture of the intoxicating atmosphere at British race circuits during these early hours: the roar of engines igniting for the first time, the distinct aroma of fried bacon wafting through the air, and the palpable anticipation building among the crowd. These elements collectively forged unforgettable memories for fans. One particularly poignant recollection involves witnessing the aesthetically captivating Lotus 80 in its raw form during the 1979 Race of Champions at Brands Hatch. This non-championship event provided a rare glimpse of the car before its design was altered by the addition of a rear wing, a moment captured by an 11-year-old Watkins with his Kodak Instamatic camera.

Another anecdote highlights the practical value of the warm-up, recounting a Nelson Piquet fan at Brands Hatch in 1983 who, due to a last-minute driver change, only realized his hero wasn't competing that day after observing Hector Rebaque's spin during the warm-up. This personal connection underscores Watkins' argument that these sessions were more than just practice; they were vital for fan engagement and understanding the unfolding drama of the race weekend.

Watkins emphasizes that the allure of motorsports, and indeed any sport, lies not merely in rapid, intense bursts of action, but in the compelling narratives that unfold over time. Like the legendary rivalries of Alain Prost versus Ayrton Senna, or Muhammad Ali versus Joe Frazier, these stories develop through various stages—practice, qualifying, and the race itself. The morning warm-up, in this context, was a crucial chapter in that narrative, allowing fans to build anticipation and knowledge, enriching their overall experience. He likens this to the enduring appeal of Test cricket, a five-day event, or the best-of-five-set format in tennis Grand Slams, contrasting it with attempts to shorten formats that often fail to resonate with audiences.

Ultimately, while acknowledging that F1's current focus might be on a screen-based audience rather than trackside spectators, Watkins believes that the elimination of the morning warm-up was a loss. It removed a valuable layer of engagement and a unique opportunity for fans to connect with the sport's history and its evolving stories.

This thoughtful reflection by Gary Watkins serves as a powerful reminder that while the pursuit of efficiency and modernization is constant, there is an inherent value in preserving traditions that foster a deeper, more meaningful connection between fans and the sports they love. The morning warm-up, though seemingly a minor element, played a significant role in shaping the Grand Prix experience for many, imbuing it with a sense of anticipation and insight that is now sorely missed. Perhaps, in an era increasingly dominated by fleeting content, revisiting the concept of 'more' rather than 'less' track time could reignite a deeper passion among motorsport aficionados.

Unpacking NASCAR's Bristol Tire Philosophy: Performance, Peril, and Policing

The Evolving Landscape of Bristol Racing Since the NextGen Era's Inception

The introduction of the NextGen cars marked a significant shift in the competitive nature of races held at Bristol Motor Speedway. This period has been characterized by an ongoing debate regarding the optimal racing experience, with event outcomes since 2022 directly reflecting these varying perspectives.

The Pivotal Spring 2024 Race: A Game-Changer for Tire Design

A crucial moment occurred during the spring race of 2024. Unusually low temperatures on the track prevented the normal accumulation of rubber, leading to rapid tire degradation after just 30 to 40 laps. This unexpected turn of events produced one of the most memorable races of the NextGen era, lauded for its intense and unpredictable action.

Goodyear's Quest for Replicating Peak Performance

Following the success of the spring 2024 event, Goodyear faced the challenge of intentionally reproducing those conditions. Their efforts culminated in a recent Saturday night race that closely mirrored the excitement and characteristics of the celebrated 2024 spring race, demonstrating a breakthrough in tire development for the challenging Bristol track.

Record-Breaking Overtakes and Dynamic Lead Changes at Bristol

The recent Saturday night event at Bristol witnessed an unprecedented number of overtakes, as confirmed by NASCAR officials. Comparing recent races:

Spring '24: 3589 passes
Fall '24: 2287 passes
Spring '25: 2197 passes
Fall '25: 3873 passes

While the spring '24 race still holds the record for lead changes (61), the latest fall '25 race also boasted a significant number (30), indicating a more consistent level of excitement than previous events.

Divergent Perspectives on Bristol's New Racing Style

The recent adjustments to racing conditions at Bristol have elicited varied reactions from both within the sport and among its fanbase. Opinions were sharply divided post-race, with many crew chiefs and competition directors expressing mixed feelings. Rudy Fugle, a prominent crew chief, publicly questioned NASCAR's ultimate objectives on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, prompting a direct response from Cup Series managing director Brad Moran.

NASCAR's Vision for Engaging Races: Tire Wear, Passing, and Multiple Leaders

In response to the discussions, Brad Moran articulated NASCAR's objectives, stating that the goal is to promote tire wear, encourage frequent passing, and feature a diverse group of race leaders throughout the event. He acknowledged the complexity of achieving this balance but affirmed that the recent Bristol race largely delivered on these fronts, thanks to Goodyear's dedicated efforts. While slightly less tire wear might have been ideal, Moran emphasized that the current direction is positive, particularly for fans desiring action-packed short-track racing.

Addressing the Unintended Consequence: Car Fires

A concerning side effect of the softer tires and the accumulation of tire debris was the ignition of fires in the right-front sections of three cars, all Fords, driven by Josh Berry, Austin Cindric, and Chad Finchum. Moran expressed NASCAR's strong disapproval of such incidents, detailing past and ongoing measures to mitigate fire risks, including modifications to rocker panels and debris shields. Engineers are scheduled to convene to discuss these incidents and decide on further adjustments for upcoming events.

NASCAR's Stance on Post-Race Track Behavior

Regarding drivers collecting tire debris or adopting unusual lines post-race for inspection advantages, Moran confirmed that NASCAR has no plans to intervene at Bristol. He noted that such practices have been commonplace for years and fall outside the scope of what NASCAR intends to police. While discouraging "off-roading" post-race, NASCAR clarified that it would not dictate how teams navigate the track en route to pit road, especially given the presence of debris.