Seeking better racing, NASCAR to use new rules package at Kentucky

In an effort to encourage more passing and a greater number of lead changes, NASCAR will introduce a new aerodynamic rules package for the July 11 Sprint Cup Series race at Kentucky Speedway.

Designed to reduced downforce and make the cars harder to control, the new rules package includes cutting spoiler height from 6 inches to 3.5 inches and the front splitter overhang by 1.75 inches.

“We’ve been very, very vigilant in talking about tighter racing,” NASCAR executive vice president Steve O’Donnell said Tuesday. “I think we’ve achieved that in terms of first to 43rd. You see that those teams are closer than ever, but we certainly want to see more lead changes on the racetrack.”

The new rules package is a response to the complaints numerous drivers have made regarding how difficult it is to pass following an offseason reduction in horsepower and rear downforce. NASCAR hoped the on-track product would improve by slowing the cars, but instead the opposite occurred.

Despite the smaller horsepower output and lower speeds on the straightaways, cornering speeds are up significantly due to drivers being able to carry more speed into and through the turns. The hope is now drivers will have to step off the throttle with greater frequency, which would then create more passing opportunities.

That a large segment of the garage vocalized its displeasure spurred NASCAR to enact changes for next month’s race. Originally, the sanctioning body was going to use the exhibition All-Star Race to test a potential 2016 rules package, but the idea was tabled with officials suggesting there would be no modifications for next season.

Then NASCAR executives met with a select group of drivers that included Jeff Gordon, Kevin Harvick, Denny Hamlin, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and others May 30 at Dover International Speedway. Among the topics discussed was what changes drivers wanted to see made aerodynamically. And from that meeting came Tuesday’s announcement.

“We’ve certainly talked to the drivers. That’s no secret,” O’Donnell said. “There are some drivers who are very vocal on wanting to pursue this angle. There are some who actually like a very different rules package, so it varies. But I would say all are aligned in terms of the package that we’re heading into for Kentucky.”

Teams will be given an additional day of testing at Kentucky to acclimate to the new package.

The new rules package is only for Kentucky with a determination afterward about using that package or a different one at future events. NASCAR would prefer to have one universal rules package, but recognizes it may have to tailor its packages for different track styles.

At 1.5 miles in length, Kentucky is similarly sized to a majority of the tracks that make up the Cup schedule, including five of 10 ovals that comprise NASCAR’s playoffs.

“We don’t want to have potentially 25 different packages out there,” O’Donnell said. “But I think that is something we’re looking at, maybe one or two more than we currently have. Kentucky will certainly go a long way in evaluating that, and all options are on the table as we look ahead to see what we might be able to implement.”