In a move it hopes will improve the quality of racing, NASCAR announced Wednesday a low-downforce aerodynamic package for the all the events except those at Talladega, Ala., and Daytona Beach, Fla., in the 2016 season. If so, that would have the added benefit of saving money for race teams who wouldn’t have to invest extra in research and development.
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But drivers were vocal in their disdain for the 2015 rules because of a difficulty to pass on the track.
Characteristics of the lower downforce rules package includes more off-throttle time for drivers and decreasing corner speeds.
“The success of the races at Kentucky and Darlington in similar trim (earlier this year) proved extremely valuable in accelerating rules development for 2016”.
NASCAR initially favored a high-drag aerodynamic package with a taller 9-inch spoiler that would stimulate drafting pack racing and drafting and ran such a setup in summer races at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Michigan worldwide Speedway.
Rejoice. The downforce reductions fans and drivers wanted NASCAR to make for the 2016 season are happening. “[Rules development] is never going to stop there”.
The 2016 package will feature a 3.5-inch spoiler, a 0.25-inch front leading splitter edge and a 33-inch-wide radiator pan.
Track-specific adjustments pertaining to different tire combinations will continue.
Rules will be adjusted at individual tracks to account for surface, layout and length.
Busch was injured in late February and missed the first 11 races of the Sprint Cup season before returning to the track in mid-May. He’s in the bottom four of the Chase standings after a long day Sunday at Charlotte. Busch failed to finish in four of his races at Kansas.
Busch suffered a compound fracture in his lower right leg and a broken left foot after smashing into an unprotected infield wall.
Jamie McMurray, a native of Joplin, Mo., has been eliminated from the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship but learned from the experience.
“Having a son was probably one of the coolest things”, Busch said. “As a team and as a driver, and as a competitor within it, it’s all over the board and your emotions are all over the board”. “You might get down on yourself a little bit, but I feel like there’s a new resurgence in the 18 team this year with my injury and coming back with all the guys”.
“I’m proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish so far”.
The 15-year-old will race Saturday at All American Speedway in Roseville, California.
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Burton is a three-time USAC Quarter Midget National Champion.
