NASCAR has always prioritized driver safety and cleaner racing, but the upcoming changes at Watkins Glen might be their boldest move yet. The track has undergone significant physical modifications, and while some drivers initially raised eyebrows, one of Brad Keselowski's RFK Racing stars believes the overhaul could actually improve the racing experience.

"It was creating these massive accidents, right? Will this fix that, or will it have a massive accident because of a tire pack? I don't know," said Chris Buescher, driver of the #17 RFK Racing Ford. Buescher, known for his meticulous preparation, has already spent countless hours in the simulator testing the new layout. And his verdict? Surprisingly optimistic.

The issue at hand involves the runoff areas on road courses—a feature designed for safety but often a source of chaos. Cars would drift wide, then re-enter the track aggressively, leading to dangerous contact with other drivers. To combat this, NASCAR has installed tire walls as new track limits, essentially forcing drivers to stay on the racing surface. It's a controversial move, but Buescher sees the logic.

"If we're going to put a wall there, then might as well put a wall there and say that's it," he explained. "Not saying it won't work, and it's kept us exactly where they want us to be in the simulator, right? So the idea behind it is at least working right now. We'll just have to see how it works in practice once we get everybody on track. But no, I like what we're doing."

This isn't the first time Watkins Glen's safety has been under scrutiny. In 2024, NASCAR analyzed data from drivers' mouthpieces and discovered over a thousand impact events at the track's infamous 'Bus Stop' section during the 2023 season alone. That alarming statistic triggered immediate track improvements, and the new barriers are the latest step in that ongoing effort.

While the changes have been met with cautious optimism, not everyone is fully on board. Some drivers remain wary of how the tire walls will affect racing dynamics, especially in tight corners. But for Buescher and his RFK team, the focus is on adapting and finding the edge—because in NASCAR, the track is always evolving, and so are the drivers who conquer it.