Ryan Newman leads Kevin Harvic and Martin Truex Jr. – all with Chevy decals on the same racecars – at Charlotte Motor Speedway on 11 October in North Carolina.
NASCAR announced today a Sprint Cup Series rules package for the 2016 season on non Super Speedways that has a 3.5-inch spoiler (current 6 inches) , a 0.25-inch front leading splitter edge (current 2inches) and a 33-inch wide radiator pan (current 38 inches inches). Decals will be used to create the illusion of different make racecars. The series – some call it the pro wrestling of motorsports – has been plagued by the lack of passing and therefore racing during the past few years. Last weeks’ exhibition at Charlotte could hardly be called racing.
NASCAR said the components result in lower downforce on the cars. Goodyear will develop tires compatible with the changes. Earlier this season, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Kentucky Speedway and Darlington Raceway had a similar aero package that resulted in some racing with passing.
In theory, more off-throttle time for drivers with decreasing corner speeds should allow for more passing zones. Depending on Goodyear, there might be several tire combinations that will play into race strategy.
In addition to this base package, each track will have specific rules, including tire combinations and drivetrain configurations based on track length, layout and surface. Rear axle gear ratios will be adjusted to maintain a maximum engine speed of 9,000 RPM. 1.38:1 third gear ratio will be used at all tracks smaller than 1.25 miles. The digital dashboard, which was optional for teams during the second half of this season, will be mandatory in all vehicles.
