NASCAR Michigan preview: High-drag rules package still frustrating drivers

When NASCAR implemented a high-drag aerodynamic package three weeks ago at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the results were, well, less than favorable.

Intended to install excitement to what is often a monotonous track for stock cars, the high-drag package was supposed to generate pack racing, which in turn would create additional passing through drafting thereby lessening the amount of single-file racing where drivers would fan-out on the expansive two-and-a-half-mile oval.

But though the concept noble and the risk worthy of taking, the Brickyard 400 ultimately played out like most Indianapolis races -- little passing, few lead changes. While drivers could draft down the straightaways, what they couldn’t do was pullout and pass through the corners. When an attempt was made their momentum would stall before they could get alongside, forcing them to tuck back in line.

Afterward, drivers almost universally denigrated the package. Defending Sprint Cup champion Kevin Harvick referred to it as an expensive “science experiment” that accomplished little. Normally diplomatic, Matt Kenseth said it was “terrible,” comments echoed by Kyle Larson. Even race-winner Kyle Busch was critical, expressing disappointment that though his Toyota was faster he found it difficult to pass slower cars when in traffic.

“When I was by myself, I felt like I had the car to beat,” Busch said July 26. “But then when you got back in traffic, whether you were behind a guy or behind a group of cars, you were horrible. It was just absolutely so hard to handle in traffic. It’s not sometimes such a bad thing, but you don’t want to feel like you’re going off into the corner and you’re going to crash every time.”

That is the backdrop as the much-maligned high-drag package is employed for a second time -- NASCAR also rolled out a low-downforce package last month -- this season in Sunday’s Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway. Not surprisingly considering how events transpired at Indianapolis, expectations are muted.

“To me, it will be just like Indy,” Kasey Kahne said. “It’s going to be really tough behind a car in the corner with no air on the car -- the guy in front of you is going to have air on his. He is going to be super-fast and then the straightaways you will be able to suck up a little. Make that ground maybe late into the straightaway, just like Indy would be my guess.

“The race on Sunday is going to be interesting.”

A noticeable effect of the package, which features a rear spoiler raised three inches, bumper extensions and a bigger radiator pan, is though the speeds have slowed many drivers circled the two-mile Michigan track nearly flatfooted on the accelerator during practice and qualifying.

However, a driver running wide-open isn’t a formula to induce greater passing as the majority of side-by-side racing occurs due to lifting off the throttle when cornering. And once in traffic drivers have expressed reservations with how unstable their cars become, putting the trailing driver at a further disadvantage and lessening the possibility of executing a slingshot pass created by drafting.

“It’s going to be tough for sure,” Martin Truex Jr. said. “The field is so close together, everybody is running really fast here. It’s going to be tough to pass.”

If there’s hope that Michigan won’t just be a replay of Indianapolis, it’s that each holds vastly different characteristics. Michigan is multiple lanes, allowing drivers better opportunities to get side-by-side; a contrast to Indianapolis and its narrow lone groove in the turns.

“Indy is if not the toughest, one of the toughest tracks to pass that we go to no matter what package we bring,” said Kenseth, who captured the pole in qualifying Friday. “I think [here] it will be a little different. The racetrack is a lot different, so we’ll see what it’s like.”

Challenging as the high-drag package may be, all 43 competitors across the board are facing the same conditions. Similar to most weeks, the team that adapts best, uses strategy and track position to optimum effect will likely prevail.

“We are operating with the attitude that whatever package there is, we’re all just going to go out and we’re going to win with that package, whatever it is,” said third-place qualifier Carl Edwards. “I think that’s the only attitude you can have right now because no one knows what’s going to happen.”