Tech Section: The "Runway & Concrete" Maze
Trucks will navigate a 3.4-mile circuit with 16 distinct corners snaking through Naval Air Station North Island. Why? The layout utilizes active runways which feature heavy concrete blocks and low-speed 90-degree bottlenecks.
Goodyear Technicals (D-6166): This road course tire was introduced at Sonoma last summer. Why? It provides a familiar baseline for teams at a brand-new track. So What? Unlike ovals, the same tire spec is used on both sides of the car, simplifying the mechanical grip balance for crew chiefs.
Drivers & Teams Intelligence
Jimmie Johnson (#1 TRICON): The El Cajon native and 7-time Cup champion makes his first Truck start in 17 years. So What? His veteran feedback loop provides TRICON Garage with an elite technical advantage in deciphering the "green" street surface.
Jamie McMurray (#25 Kaulig): Making his first series start since 2008. Why? Driving Kaulig's heavy Ram body style adds a high-profile veteran presence to the grid to assist in data collection for the organization's road-course program.
Layne Riggs (#34 FRM): The points leader rolls out a fresh primary program with Mattermost. So What? Riggs must adapt his aggressive short-track braking habits to the low-grip runoff zones of a street course to maintain his 26-point lead.