NASCAR's new superspeedway package didn't completely transform the racing at Daytona, but it showed enough improvement to deserve another opportunity.
The package debuted during Saturday's ******* e Zero Sugar 400 with the rear spoiler reduced from seven inches to four and horsepower lowered from 510 to 465. NASCAR's goal was to reduce drag and give drivers a better opportunity to move through the field instead of relying so heavily on fuel-saving strategies to gain track position. NASCAR
From a viewer's perspective, there were encouraging signs.
The field still raced three-wide, but the cars didn't appear permanently locked into place. After approximately 10 to 15 laps, the bottom and top lanes began separating as handling became more important. Denny Hamlin noticed the same development, explaining on his podcast, Actions Detrimental with Denny Hamlin, that the field could run three-wide for roughly 10 to 15 laps before the middle lane disappeared. The bottom lane would then move down the track while the top lane moved higher as drivers searched for clean air and additional room to move side to side. Actions Detrimental with Denny Hamlin
That separation created more room for drivers to search for clean air and attempt moves. Bubba Wallace said the runs felt slightly larger and that drivers could make some passes. Chase Briscoe and runner-up Daniel Suárez went further, saying the package allowed drivers to create runs and make moves that were more difficult under the previous configuration. Postrace driver reactions
#drivers #move
The package debuted during Saturday's ******* e Zero Sugar 400 with the rear spoiler reduced from seven inches to four and horsepower lowered from 510 to 465. NASCAR's goal was to reduce drag and give drivers a better opportunity to move through the field instead of relying so heavily on fuel-saving strategies to gain track position. NASCAR
From a viewer's perspective, there were encouraging signs.
The field still raced three-wide, but the cars didn't appear permanently locked into place. After approximately 10 to 15 laps, the bottom and top lanes began separating as handling became more important. Denny Hamlin noticed the same development, explaining on his podcast, Actions Detrimental with Denny Hamlin, that the field could run three-wide for roughly 10 to 15 laps before the middle lane disappeared. The bottom lane would then move down the track while the top lane moved higher as drivers searched for clean air and additional room to move side to side. Actions Detrimental with Denny Hamlin
That separation created more room for drivers to search for clean air and attempt moves. Bubba Wallace said the runs felt slightly larger and that drivers could make some passes. Chase Briscoe and runner-up Daniel Suárez went further, saying the package allowed drivers to create runs and make moves that were more difficult under the previous configuration. Postrace driver reactions
#drivers #move
2 months ago
