Drivers encouraged by Michigan aerodynamic rules package

The praise was mostly gushing with drivers reacting positively to the aerodynamic rules package raced for the first time Sunday at Michigan International Speedway.

Featuring a shortened rear spoiler among other changes, the package was designed to reduce downforce and create additional passing by slowing cornering speeds. It also made cars harder to control, thereby emphasizing a drivers’ ability -- an opportunity they collectively relished.

“No doubt, they are out of control crazy, and it makes it a lot of fun,” said race-winner Joey Logano.

There weren’t an inordinate number of passes on Sunday -- just a total of 14 lead changes -- but the rules package that will likely be the template for the aero package used next season did generate better racing than past events at Michigan. The package will next be used July 9 at Kentucky Speedway.

“I love it. I absolutely love it. The package is good,” Tony Stewart said.”... Today we got to drive the cars. We got to make a difference in the car and manipulate things. That is what we have all been wanting.

“I don’t know what everybody else is going to say, but I thought it was pretty good. It may not be perfect yet, but it is more than definitely going in the right direction for sure.”

Brad Keselowski, who finished fourth, was equally encouraged that drivers had more influence in the outcome, though he also said he was hoping for more. Carl Edwards called the package a “work in progress.”

After crashing out, Dale Earnhardt Jr. groused the package wasn’t all that different from the rules configuration used for the duration of the season. He later admitted on Twitter his opinion should be discarded due to his frustration of being wrecked by rookie Chris Buescher.

“I am not sure the new package was everything we wanted it to be,” Keselowski said. “But it is a step in the right direction as far as putting the drivers in control of the racing, but not in reducing the aero stuff we wanted. I guess we have to think about it a little.”

NASCAR officials acknowledged more fine-tuning was needed. One aspect they wished to see improved was the field separating during long periods of green-flag racing. A two-day test featuring a dozen teams is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday at Kentucky.

But, overall, many drivers were happy.

“I thought this was a better race package,” Ricky Stenhouse Jr. said. “Everyone was running closer which makes for better racing so I think it was good.”

Said Edwards: “[NASCAR needs to] just keep working in this direction and we’re going to keep having better and better races.”