NASCAR's Stock Cars to Run Daytona with Less Power Than a Ford Mustang GT
NASCAR Cup Series cars will run at Daytona with a target output of 465 hp, less than a Ford Mustang GT, to balance out a reduction in spoiler size.
Key Takeaways
- NASCAR Cup Series cars will run at Daytona with a target output of 465 hp, less than a Ford Mustang GT.
- The reduction in power is meant to balance out a massive reduction in spoiler size, dropping from seven to four inches.
- The changes should mean similar racing speeds with a significant change in the amount of both downforce and drag produced by cars.
- The goal is to move away from effortless multi-lane pack racing and extensive fuel saving.
- The experimental package is being tested only for the Summer Cup Series race at Daytona on August 29th.
What’s Behind the Power Reduction?
The reduction in power, created by further restricting the standard engines the series uses, is meant to balance out a massive reduction in spoiler size, dropping from seven to four inches.
This change is intended to reduce the amount of downforce and drag produced by cars, making them closer to grip-limited.
How Will This Affect Racing?
The changes should mean similar racing speeds with a significant change in the amount of both downforce and drag produced by cars.
This should lead to more aggressive racing, more movement within the pack, and less time spent saving fuel over long green flag stints.
Will This Reduce Wrecks?
It is unlikely to completely copy the IRL-style racing seen on the narrow 1.5-mile high-banked track at Atlanta.
It should also still keep cars bunched relatively close together, meaning that it is unlikely to reduce either the frequency or size of field-sweeping “big one” wrecks.
Is This a Permanent Change?
The experimental package is being tested only for the Summer Cup Series race at Daytona on August 29th.
If the experiment is a success, the rule set could be adopted for further plate racing events, like the playoff round at Talladega scheduled for later in the year.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Target Output | 465 hp |
| Spoiler Size | Four inches |
| Previous Spoiler Size | Seven inches |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is NASCAR reducing the power of its stock cars?
A: To balance out a massive reduction in spoiler size, dropping from seven to four inches, and to move away from effortless multi-lane pack racing and extensive fuel saving.
Q: How will this affect the racing?
A: The changes should mean similar racing speeds with a significant change in the amount of both downforce and drag produced by cars, leading to more aggressive racing and more movement within the pack.
Q: Is this a permanent change?
A: The experimental package is being tested only for the Summer Cup Series race at Daytona on August 29th, and if successful, could be adopted for further plate racing events.
