NASCAR will use the lower-downforce rules package preferred by drivers next season.
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Lower downforce, or less pressure keeping cars from sliding in turns, should mean more opportunities to pass. Less grip, more slip.
“NASCAR has worked tirelessly with our teams, drivers, manufacturers and Goodyear to develop a rules package that provides fans with the best racing possible”, Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice-president and chief racing development officer, said.
The low downforce package was pitted against a high drag package this summer, with each getting two races to prove its worth.
Although it took a few time to get to this point – and included a couple of noticeable missteps in the form of a pair of races that can best be described as duds – NASCAR delivered a few welcome news in unveiling its 2016 rules package Wednesday.
Variation in gear ratios and Goodyear’s tire compounds will be used to adjust the package to the different types of circuit on the calendar. “Ultimately, what do we think is going to put on the best race?”
In simpler terms, when a driver in a faster auto came up on a slower vehicle, he could complete the pass, something that has been a challenge this season.
NASCAR scrapped any plans for a high-drag package, which it used at Indianapolis and Michigan earlier this year to dismal reviews by drivers, who found hard to pass. What we kept coming back to was looking at the low downforce package.
In addition to the base package, each track will continue to feature specific components tailored to each venue, including tire combinations and drive train configurations. The changes are in effect for all but Daytona and Talladega, where the Cup Series cars run restrictor plates in the engines.
“We’re continuing to work with the industry on developing the appropriate elements of the rules for each track”, O’Donnell said during a national media teleconference.
Rejoice. The downforce reductions fans and drivers wanted NASCAR to make for the 2016 season are happening.
According to NASCAR loop data, there were 2,665 green-flag passes at Kentucky, up from 1,147 a year ago and 1,650 in 2013. “We feel like it’s going to be a definite step in the right direction, but it’s never going to stop there”.
NASCAR has also mandated the use of a digital dashboard for all teams next season.
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Several safety updates are also ahead, including a fire suppression system that the driver can manually activate with their leg, and an updated seat belt restraint system.
