Homestead-Miami Speedway cranks the risk meter to full blast, where NASCAR drivers do the wildest thing: they get an inch from the wall, at breakneck speeds over 150 miles an hour, all for that elusive competitive edge—a phenom commonly affectionately known as “ripping the fence.” This heartstopping maneuver isn’t just for thrills; drivers ride the very top line for the speed boost and stability it offers. It’s high-stakes, high-reward racing, with the teal walls of Homestead bearing the proof in black scuff marks by the weekend’s end.

For drivers on the playoff bubble like Denny Hamlin and Tyler Reddick, Homestead’s race of the Round of 8 showdown could be make-or-break as they jostle to secure their Championship 4 spots. So buckle up: with names like Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Christopher Bell in the hunt for a win, Sunday’s race promises to be a wall-riding spectacle you won’t want to miss. But first, let’s explore exactly how and why the drivers utilize this method.

The Aerodynamics of “wall riding” at Homestead-Miami Speedway

Homestead’s abrasive surface wears tires quickly, making the outside line the most attractive for drivers. Racing near the wall enables them to maintain speed, but it demands a fine balance of bravery and skill. Drivers like Larson, Reddick, and Christopher Bell have earned reputations as some of the best at Homestead by mastering this technique. In the 2022 playoff race, Larson used this approach to perfection, leading 199 of 267 laps to win his first race at the track.

Running close to the wall—sometimes within an inch—generates a phenomenon known as “wall proximity.” As Parker Kligerman, the Big Machine Racing driver and NBC reporter, explained on ‘NASCAR Inside the Playoffs, driving near the wall creates an air pocket between the car and the barrier. Noting particularly about Larson’s technique, he added, “I want to take you on board of Kyle Larson with the best in the world at doing it, and what is he focused on here, look how close he is to the wall so that is about an inch and what really is the difference between your fender and the wall.” This effect according to him, is particularly beneficial at Homestead, a low-grip track where tire wear and traction become challenging factors.

By sticking to the wall, drivers can find traction where there’s less rubber buildup and more grip. Kligerman illustrated further the understanding of speed and dynamics.

He said, “You’re listening to the exhaust. As It reverberates off the wall you’re also feeling almost like an air cushion, like a pillow against that wall that the car is leaning up against…that’s what you’re feeling in understanding how close you are, and you have to do this whereas the tires are wearing. You have to back up your entry speed because you’re dealing with a game of inches maybe just an inch one inch too far of rolling too much speed on that top side you will hit that wall and you can only get away with it a couple of times.” Kligerman noted this adding that the technique is unforgiving—an inch too far can end a driver’s day with a hard hit.

The adjustment that the NBC reporter noted is an adjustment that keeps the car stable and helps prevent contact with the wall, which can happen after even the smallest miscalculation.

The drivers to watch this weekend

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With a trip to the Championship 4 on the line, several drivers will be pushing their limits at Homestead.

• Kyle Larson has a strong record at the track, with four top-five finishes in his 10 starts, including his 2022 victory. Larson’s current 35-point cushion above the elimination line gives him some breathing room. However, any mistake could erase that advantage, as seen in 2023 when a costly pit-road error ended his race.
• Christopher Bell, the defending winner at Homestead, also looks poised for success. His consistency this season has him 42 points above the elimination line, giving him a solid chance to either win or advance based on points. Bell’s experience with wall riding and his recent performance streak—five finishes inside the top seven—make him a strong contender.
• William Byron is another driver who thrives at Homestead, with a win in 2021 and a fourth-place finish last year. Byron, 27 points above the elimination line, will be aiming to lock in a top-five finish, extending his recent strong performances.
• Denny Hamlin and Tyler Reddick are both in the bubble, with Hamlin sitting 27 points out. Hamlin has three career wins at Homestead and will be aiming to use his wall-riding skills to stay in the playoff hunt. Meanwhile, Reddick, who showcased his skill with back-to-back Xfinity Series championships at Homestead, has had a rocky playoff run and likely needs a win to move forward.

As drivers embrace the high-risk nature of wall riding, Sunday’s race at Homestead will deliver intense battles and thrilling moments. Homestead’s teal walls will bear the marks of drivers who pushed to the edge—and likely of those who pushed a little too far—as they chase a spot in the Championship 4.