Testing ban, horsepower reduction among 2015 NASCAR rule changes

A testing ban and reduction in engine horsepower are among the notable rule changes NASCAR will implement next year.

Beginning in 2015 teams will no longer be able to conduct private tests. Previously teams were allotted four tests at NASCAR-sanctioned tracks and could stage an unlimited number of tests on non-approved tracks.

Any organization violating NASCAR’s revised policy on testing would be subject to the highest tier of penalties, including a minimum $150,000 fine, the loss of 150 points and six-race suspensions for key personnel (crew chief, car chief, and team manager).

Teams are still permitted to participate in NASCAR- and Goodyear-approved tests.

The aerodynamic changes for next season include a smaller rear spoiler, lowering the minimum car weight and, most significantly, reducing engine horsepower from 850 to 725 via a tapered spacer (except for Daytona and Talladega).

Drivers will also be permitted to adjust the track bar from within the car. Currently that is only a modification made by crew members on pit road. Cars will also use a lower rear gear differential.

The changes are designed to decrease costs and improve competition.

NASCAR tested many of the rule changes implemented Tuesday during a test last month at Michigan International Speedway.

“It was like going back 15 years in time knowing you could actually pass in the corners instead of worrying about drafting in the straightaway,” Matt Kenseth said. “You could get one guy on the bottom and one guy on the top, the air wasn’t so turbulent that you couldn’t get outside of people so the track got really wide. It was like the track aged 10 years and it was awesome. Everybody got out with a smile on their face.

“It seemed like the racing was better, too, and if your car was handling a little bit better you could actually make the pass instead of getting stuck there in dirty air.”

Road course races in NASCAR’s premier division will also now use rain tires, as is the case in the Nationwide and Truck Series. Cup teams will be required to have wipers, a defogger and a rear flashing light installed in case of inclement weather.

In addition, revisions are coming to NASCAR’s qualifying procedures. Group qualifying will determine the front for the Daytona 500, as opposed to single-car runs. Daytona was the lone race where group qualifying wasn’t instituted at the beginning of this season.

“We’re very pleased with the rules package and what it will do for our racing,” NASCAR executive vice president Steve O’Donnell said. “We’re confident it will continue to generate great racing, along with continuous safety improvements.”