O'Donnell: NASCAR to address side skirt issue

NASCAR executive holds court in impromptu Twitter chat

As the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season wound down, the flaring out of side skirts gained more attention both on television and in the garage, despite it being within the rules.

The sanctioning body plans to address the issue, NASCAR Executive Vice President & Chief Racing Development Officer Steve O’Donnell shared via Twitter on Tuesday evening as he responded to a fan question.

“@dougienoshare: @odsteve Does NASCAR have plans to address the pulled out side skirts for next year?”yES

— Steve O’Donnell (@odsteve) November 26, 2014

Yanking the side skirts in front of the rear wheels during pit stops was perceived to provide an aerodynamic benefit as a makeshift fender flare. The practice became more commonplace in the second half of the season as teams attempted to improve airflow over the rear of the car. NASCAR officials did not regulate the practice.

In the impromptu Twitter chat, O’Donnell also shared about how many Goodyear tire tests he expected in 2015, as well which track on the circuit is his favorite.

“@EmilyFHummel: @odsteve how many goodyear tire test will there be next year? (Is that known yet?)” still tbd 10-12

— Steve O’Donnell (@odsteve) November 25, 2014

“@Cody2488: @odsteve Do you have a favorite track that you like to go to?” Like them all but love opening @DISupdates

— Steve O’Donnell (@odsteve) November 26, 2014

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