Backstretch

New to NASCAR 25? Learn what the backstretch is, how to use draft and line choice, and quick fixes to stop getting passed between Turns 2 and 3.

You’re flat-out, then suddenly everyone blows by you between the corners. That straightaway feels simple, but it decides most passes. This guide shows how to master the backstretch—carry more speed out of Turn 2, use the draft, and set up safe, clean passes.

Quick answer

The backstretch is the long straight between corners where you hold top speed and use drafting to pass. Your speed on the backstretch is mostly earned at corner exit (Turn 2), then protected with smart lines and gentle inputs. Tuck into the draft, side-draft briefly if needed, and complete the pass before turn-in for Turn 3 to avoid getting tight in dirty air.

Do this now (60 seconds)

• Start a solo Practice or Time Trial at an oval with a long backstretch (Daytona, Talladega, Charlotte, Indy, or Pocono).
• Turn on the driving line and HUD speed/gear info if available.
• Run 3 laps focusing only on a clean, wide exit out of Turn 2—no wall scrapes.
• Down the backstretch, tuck 0.3–0.5 car widths behind AI or a ghost to feel the draft; watch RPM and speed climb.
• Make one smooth, early move to pass—clear before the Turn 3 braking/turn-in marker.
• If you hit the rev limiter, short-shift once or back off the draft briefly to save the engine.

What the Backstretch means in NASCAR 25

• The backstretch is the straightaway opposite the start/finish. You reach top speed, feel the biggest draft pull, and set up passes here.
• Why it matters: Good backstretch speed means higher top speed, easier passes, safer entries into Turn 3, and fewer desperate moves. It also reduces overheating and tire scrubbing from staying side-by-side too long.
• Jargon:
  • Draft: Airflow pull behind a car that reduces your drag and increases your speed.
  • Side-draft: Running very close alongside another car’s rear quarter to slow them and speed you up.
  • Dirty air: Turbulent air behind cars that can reduce your grip, often making you tight entering the next corner.
  • Tire falloff: Loss of grip as tires wear, impacting exit speed and straightaway pace.

Symptoms → likely causes → fixes (beginner-focused)

• Getting passed down the backstretch every lap

  • Cause: Slow exit off Turn 2; poor line; not using draft
  • Fix: Open corner exit (let the car drift out), get to throttle earlier, and tuck into the draft as soon as you’re straight

• Hitting the rev limiter halfway down the backstretch

  • Cause: Gearing too short or holding the draft too long
  • Fix: If gearing is adjustable, lengthen final drive one step; otherwise short-shift once or pop out of line briefly to cool

• Car wiggles or snaps loose on the backstretch

  • Cause: Steering inputs too sharp; rear tires cold/worn; bumps in the lane
  • Fix: Straighten the wheel before full throttle, hold the lane steady, and apply throttle smoothly; give tires a lap to warm

• Overheating when drafting tightly

  • Cause: Blocked airflow when tucked on a bumper too long
  • Fix: Offset half a lane to get clean air; if tuning exists, reduce grille tape slightly

• Can’t complete the pass before Turn 3

  • Cause: Late move; side-drafting too long; entering Turn 3 in dirty air
  • Fix: Start the run early from Turn 2 exit, side-draft briefly, then clear and return to the preferred line before the braking/turn-in point

• Tight into Turn 3 after a big draft pull

  • Cause: Dirty air plus excess entry speed
  • Fix: Enter half a lane higher or lift earlier by a touch; finish passing before turn-in

Step-by-step: How to do it

1. Enter a practice session

   • From the main menu, look for a single-session mode like “Practice,” “Test Session,” or “Time Trial.” If you see “Race Now,” choose an option that lets you run laps solo.
   • Pick an oval with a long backstretch (Daytona/Talladega for draft practice; Charlotte/Las Vegas/Kansas for intermediates).

2. Nail the Turn 2 exit

   • Focus: brake/roll the center, get the car pointed, then apply throttle progressively.
   • Let the car drift out toward the wall on exit without scraping it.
   • Feel/see: higher exit RPM and a calmer steering wheel as you straighten.

3. Use the draft smartly

   • As you enter the backstretch, align 0.3–0.5 car widths behind the car ahead to catch the draft.
   • Watch the speed climb. If temps or RPM spike, offset slightly to get clean air.
   • Feel/see: noticeable pull; engine note rises faster than running alone.

4. Execute the pass

   • Make one decisive move. Side-draft briefly (close to their rear quarter) to slow them.
   • Complete the pass early—be clear before Turn 3’s turn-in or braking mark.
   • Common gotcha: Staying alongside into Turn 3 makes you tight and slow; finish the move, then set up your corner.

5. Protect your run

   • After clearing, return to your preferred entry line.
   • Keep inputs smooth; sudden steering can scrub speed and invite a crossover.

Beginner settings & assists (recommended)

• Beginner: If assists are available, enable a visible driving line, moderate steering assist, and light stability control. This helps keep exits clean and the car straight under full throttle.
• Intermediate: Reduce steering assist and stability slightly; keep the line only in corners. You’ll learn throttle timing and lane choice while still avoiding big wiggles.
• Advanced: Minimal assists. No line in straights. You’ll rely on visual markers and the spotter, maximizing exit speed and draft timing.

Note: If NASCAR 25 offers gear ratio tuning, use a slightly taller final drive for superspeedways to avoid the limiter in the draft.

Practice drill (10 minutes)

• Track: Daytona or Talladega for drafting; Charlotte for corner-exit emphasis.
• Drill: Run 5 laps focusing only on Turn 2 exit—no wall contact, earlier throttle each lap. Then spend 5 laps timing your draft runs: tuck, side-draft for one count, clear, and return to the line.
• Focus points: Smooth throttle, straight wheel before full throttle, one decisive pass.
• Success looks like: +2–4 mph higher at the middle of the backstretch and completing passes before Turn 3.
• Avoid: Weaving. Each wiggle scrubs speed and heats tires.

Common beginner mistakes (and the fix)

• Lifting on the backstretch for no reason

  • Why: Nervous about traffic or speed
  • Fix: Keep it pinned; manage with lane and mirrors, not the throttle

• Staring at the bumper ahead

  • Why: Tunnel vision in the draft
  • Fix: Look through the car ahead to the horizon and spot markers

• Late, reactive lane changes

  • Why: Following others’ moves
  • Fix: Plan your run from Turn 2; make one early, smooth move

• Staying side-by-side too long

  • Why: Overusing the side-draft
  • Fix: Side-draft briefly, then commit to clearing before Turn 3

• Hitting the wall on exit

  • Why: Full throttle before the car is straight
  • Fix: Unwind the wheel first, then add throttle; use a gradual squeeze

• Overheating in the pack

  • Why: Sitting on the bumper with no clean air
  • Fix: Offset half a lane to cool; lift a tick if temps spike

• Bouncing off the limiter

  • Why: Short gearing or long draft pulls
  • Fix: Short-shift once, or if tuning exists, lengthen the final drive

FAQs

• What is the backstretch in NASCAR 25?

  • It’s the straightaway opposite the start/finish line. You’ll hit top speed here, feel the strongest draft, and set up most passes before the next corner.

• How do I pass on the backstretch?

  • Get a strong Turn 2 exit, tuck into the draft, side-draft briefly to slow the other car, then complete the pass early so you’re clear by Turn 3’s entry.

• Should I lift on the backstretch?

  • Only if you’re overheating, on the limiter, or about to run into someone. Otherwise, stay wide open and manage with line and draft position.

• Why do I get tight entering Turn 3 after drafting?

  • Dirty air reduces your front grip while your entry speed is higher. Enter half a lane higher or lift a touch earlier and finish the pass before turn-in.

• How close should I draft?

  • A few feet off the bumper is enough to feel the pull, but offset slightly to keep air to the nose and manage temps. Closer isn’t always faster if you overheat.

• What gearing should I use for the backstretch?

  • If gear tuning is available, use a taller final drive for superspeedways to avoid the limiter in a draft. On intermediates, choose gearing that reaches near peak RPM at the end of the straight without bouncing the limiter.

• Is side-drafting safe for beginners?

  • Use it briefly and predictably. Get close to the rear quarter, hold it for a second or two, then commit to the clear—don’t hang beside the other car into Turn 3.

Next steps

A fast backstretch starts at Turn 2 exit, then you manage draft and line to finish the pass early. Keep inputs smooth and plan your move before the straight even begins.

Do this next: Run a 10-minute practice at Daytona or Charlotte and focus only on exit speed and one clean pass per lap.

Related articles:

• Drafting 101: How to use and avoid the air
• Corner Exit: Launching off Turn 2
• Passing Etiquette and Safe Moves
• Spotter and HUD: What to watch and when
• Gear Ratios Basics (if tuning is available)
• Superspeedway Pack Racing Tips