NASCAR announces rules package for Chase for the Sprint Cup races

Though it has utilized two other aerodynamic packages in recent weeks, NASCAR announced Friday it will stick with the rules configuration introduced prior to the season when the Chase for the Sprint Cup playoffs commences next month.

A low-downforce package was ran July 11 at Kentucky Speedway, which NASCAR will also use Labor Day weekend at Darlington Raceway. A high-drag package was employed July 26 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and for this Sunday’s race at Michigan International Speedway.

“Our messaging all along is that we had the intention of keeping the Chase where it was with the 2015 rules package,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. “Some of the folks wanted to push forward potentially, but when we looked at all the things that have been done, the preparation that has been done, the amount of work our industry has put into these races, we think we’re going to have the best racing for the fans with the 2015 package.”

The low-downforce package is designed to make cars harder to control, requiring drivers to back off the accelerator when cornering. The high-drag package is supposed to generate pack racing and drafting on intermediate sized speedways. Both concepts are intended as a way to enhance the on-track product and increase passing opportunities.

Drivers have almost universally preferred the low-downforce package featuring a dramatically reduced rear spoiler. The Kentucky race saw a track-record 22 green-flag passes for the lead, while drivers struggled to race side-by-side and felt like they couldn’t pull out to complete passes at Indianapolis.

“Absolutely, a lot of great things happened during that (Kentucky) race,” O’Donnell said. “But that was one race, and one that we want to learn from and continue to take that forward and apply what we can to Darlington and do the same thing. I would say a ton of positives we saw from Kentucky, but we’ve got to take the time to dial those things in and make sure that everybody’s on the same page.

“We’ve seen some good things with (the original) package. A lot of work has been done by the race teams already leading up to the final ten races and feel like that’s the best decision for the sport.”

Of the 10 Chase events, only the Oct. 25 race at Talladega will have a different rules package. Talladega, along with Daytona International Speedway, is a restrictor-plate track where NASCAR limits airflow into the engine to reduce speeds.

Officials want to further evaluate data from a crash where Austin Dillon’s car launched into the frontstretch catchfence during the July Daytona race before unveiling any changes.

“There probably will be, we’re still having some discussion with the industry heading into Talladega,” O’Donnell said. “Have not settled on anything yet, but I think you can anticipate something.”

The Chase begins Sept. 20 at Chicagoland Speedway.