NASCAR trying to increase passing for Coca-Cola 600

NASCAR is trying to inject some excitement into the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where recent races have been relatively predictable, even dull:

Stock-car racing’s governing body added a layer of traction compound called JP1 to the top groove of the speedway in an effort to promote more passing at Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600.

“We talked through this opportunity with the track, teams, drivers and Goodyear,” NASCAR vice president of competition Scott Miller said.

Using the compound on the upper portion of the track is designed to create a sticky groove that is just as fast as the lower groove, luring drivers to attempt more passes up high.

Kevin Harvick, the pole sitter for the Coca-Cola 600, called it a good plan.

“The only groove that was there for the All-Star race was the bottom groove,” Harvick said.