All remaining tests, except one, will focus on 2015 rules platform
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NASCAR officials say they still intend to deliver the 2016 rules package to Sprint Cup Series teams as early as August of this year, however several upcoming tests will not include possible ’16 updates as part of the Goodyear tire tests.
In a bulletin released Tuesday, changes to this year’s National Series Master Unified Test Schedule indicate all remaining Goodyear tire tests, with the exception of the Oct. 27-29 session slated for Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, will continue to focus on the ’15 rules platform.
Previous literature contained notations for testing of both the ’15 and ’16 packages in some instances, and the ’16 package only at others.
Sprint Cup teams just completed two-day Goodyear tire test at Dover International Speedway earlier this week, as well as an open team test.
The focus of the 2015 package, aimed at competition on intermediate-sized tracks, has been a reduction in horsepower and downforce. The use of tapered spacers in engines cut horsepower from approximately 850 to 725. A lower differential gear has also been implemented.
Downforce changes were achieved by trimming the rear spoiler from eight to six inches while the width of the radiator pan underneath the car was reduced by five inches.
The drop in horsepower has actually created higher corner speeds at some facilities, however, since drivers now spend more time on throttle in the turns.
The next scheduled test is set for June 9 (Goodyear tire test) and 10 (open team test) at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway.
Other schedule changes include the addition of a Goodyear tire test at Richmond (Va.) Raceway June 16 followed by an open team test June 17, while a two-day tire test scheduled for July 28-29 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway has been cancelled. An open team test at BMS, originally planned for July 30, will now be held on the 29th.
On Monday, Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer, said the August 1 delivery date for the ’16 rules package remains in play.
“We’re looking at everything from the current package that we have all the way through with a number of different options and certainly working with Goodyear,” O’Donnell said. “We don’t want to change just for change’s sake. We want to make sure that we have the right package and continue to improve upon the racing each and every race, so those discussions with continue this weekend with a number of the competitors, and we’ve got to match it all … with Goodyear.”