When the NextGen automotive was debuted in 2022, the hope was racing would enhance for on the 1.5-mile and 2-mile tracks. Racing on these tracks was mediocre with the Gen6 automotive.
The racing on these tracks was a lot improved but it surely got here with a value. Brief monitor racing suffered, one thing that had been the spotlight of the NASCAR Cup Collection for quite a few years.
NASCAR performed a check session at Phoenix Raceway shortly after the 2023 season ended. Many take into account Phoenix to race like a brief monitor and crew have been already within the space to happen in a check.
Numerous issues have been examined within the Cup vehicles. Spoiler, splitters, diffusers, and extra have been all examined with totally different sizes and configurations. The hope was to get the racing higher on the brief tracks.
Whereas particular knowledge was not given to the general public following the check, drivers that participated within the check classes spoke positively in regards to the varied modifications. Finally, the diffuser has been modified for brief tracks and a 3″ spoiler might be used as a substitute of a 2″ spoiler.
The outcomes of those modifications might be on full show because the Cup Collection heads to Phoenix this Sunday and to Bristol subsequent Sunday. Testing with just a few vehicles on the monitor is one factor. Having 36+ vehicles on the monitor might be totally different as aero will play a small half at each of those tracks.
The racing at Phoenix has been lackluster with the NextGen automotive. Bristol has offered the perfect racing of the brief tracks with the NextGen automotive. The outcomes of the modifications needs to be extra prevalent at Phoenix than at Bristol. Each races ought to give NASCAR and thought whether or not modifications are to come back for Martinsville and Richmond. With the Richmond race being simply 2 weeks after Bristol, any modifications are unlikely except the automotive performs poorly at each Phoenix and Bristol.
Brief monitor racing has at all times been the core of NASCAR racing. Apart from the seashore at Daytona and Darlington, NASCAR was a brief monitor sequence till Daytona Speedway got here alongside in 1959. Most drivers reduce their tooth on the brief tracks. Followers love the brief tracks. It’s vital for NASCAR to repair the brief monitor package deal for the NextGen automotive.
If the present package deal doesn’t enhance brief monitor racing, NASCAR will proceed to seek out methods to make it higher. Within the meantime, tracks with sagging ticket gross sales are hoping NASCAR has hit it proper with the present package deal and never have to attend one other 12 months or two to get it proper.
