Road Course Ringer
A Road Course Ringer is a driver with specialized road racing skills who is temporarily hired by a NASCAR team to compete in races held on winding road courses, rather than the series' typical oval tracks.
In NASCAR, most races take place on oval-shaped tracks where cars turn left continuously. However, a handful of races each season occur on road courses—tracks with both left and right turns, similar to regular roads. These courses require different driving techniques and experience that not all NASCAR drivers possess at an expert level.
Teams sometimes hire road course ringers to give themselves a competitive advantage during these specific races. These specialist drivers often come from racing series where road courses are the norm, such as sports car racing, IndyCar, or international racing championships. Their extensive experience navigating complex turns and elevation changes can translate into better results for teams whose regular drivers may struggle on these challenging circuits.
The practice of using road course ringers became common because NASCAR historically focused almost exclusively on oval racing. When the series added road course events to the schedule, many full-time drivers lacked the skills needed to compete at the highest level on these tracks. Teams recognized they could improve their performance by bringing in someone who had spent years mastering road racing techniques.
Some famous examples of road course ringers include Boris Said, Ron Fellows, and more recently, drivers through programs like Trackhouse Racing's Project 91. These drivers would appear for just one or two races per season, specifically at venues like Watkins Glen or Sonoma Raceway, then return to their primary racing series.
The use of ringers has declined somewhat in recent years as NASCAR's full-time competitors have become more well-rounded drivers. Modern NASCAR drivers often train extensively on road courses and simulators, making them more competitive on these tracks than previous generations. Additionally, NASCAR has added more road courses to its schedule, forcing regular drivers to develop these skills to remain competitive for championships.
Teams typically employ road course specialists for several strategic reasons beyond just finishing position. A strong qualifying performance can secure a better starting spot, which is valuable for teams lower in the standings. Even a mid-pack finish from a ringer might represent an improvement over what the team's regular driver could achieve, potentially earning crucial points or prize money.
The term "ringer" itself comes from the practice of substituting a superior player or competitor into a game or competition, and it perfectly captures the essence of bringing in a specialist to handle a specific challenge that falls outside a team's normal expertise.