NASCAR unveils revised short-track/road course package for Cup Series
NASCAR Cup Series teams will compete with a simplified diffuser this season as part of a short track and road course rules package announced on Wednesday.
NASCAR Cup Series gets new rules package
NASCAR Cup Series teams will be using a revised short-track/road course package for the upcoming season. The package includes a simplified diffuser, which aims to improve the racing on these types of tracks.
The decision to implement this new package comes after a two-day test at Phoenix Raceway in December, where NASCAR experimented with different configurations in order to find the best solution.
According to Eric Jacuzzi, NASCAR's vice president of vehicle performance, the feedback from drivers during the test was positive. They felt that the new package allowed for more sliding and less carefulness when putting down power.
Details of the new rule book
The updated rule book includes several changes for short tracks and road courses. These changes include: 2023 short track/road course splitter stuffers, no engine panel strakes, a 3-inch spoiler, and simplified diffuser strakes.
The package will be used on short tracks that are one mile or shorter, with the exception of Bristol Motor Speedway and Dover Motor Speedway. It will also be used at all five road course races.
The goal of these updates is to improve the racing and create a more forgiving car for drivers to maneuver on these types of tracks.
Positive feedback from drivers
One of the main takeaways from the test at Phoenix Raceway was the positive feedback from drivers. They noticed an improvement in traffic and felt that the new package allowed for more sliding and less cautiousness when driving.
Eric Jacuzzi, NASCAR's vice president of vehicle performance, stated that drivers were able to slide the car around more on short tracks and didn't lose rear downforce when the car yawed. Overall, the new package was seen as more forgiving and enjoyable to drive.
Based on this feedback, NASCAR has decided to implement the new package for the upcoming season, with the hope of producing better racing and more exciting competitions.
