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NASCAR announced the base 2016 rules package for Sprint Cup Series teams on Wednesday, and the low downforce setup that received rave reviews from drivers following races at Kentucky Speedway and Darlington Raceway is the centerpiece.
Next year’s base package includes a 3.5-inch spoiler (currently 6 inches), a 0.25-inch front leading splitter edge (currently 2 inches) and a 33-inch wide radiator pan (currently 38 inches; it was 28 inches at the Darlington and Kentucky races).
The result of the smaller spoiler and other components will produce less downforce — downward thrust of a car created by aerodynamics — which drivers say gives them more control of the car and also results in both less throttle time and slower speeds in the corners.
“NASCAR has worked tirelessly with our teams, drivers, manufacturers and Goodyear to develop a rules package that provides fans with the best racing possible,” NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer Steve O’Donnell said. “The success of the races at Kentucky and Darlington in similar trim proved extremely valuable in accelerating rules development for 2016. Now, as teams have even more time to prepare and a strong baseline of data, we anticipate the racing to be even better.”
The low downforce rules will also allow Goodyear to develop a tire that complements the new package and produces more fall-off, which would likely lead to more passing. A softer tire, like the one built for Darlington, led to drivers conserving their tires while slipping and sliding all over the track.
This base package is planned for all tracks except Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway; each track will have its own tire combinations and drive train configurations, a flexibility NASCAR sought to produce the best racing for various track lengths and layouts.
Other changes in effect in the base package are adjusted rear gear ratios to maintain 9,000 RPM maximum engine speed, and a 1.38 third gear ratio for tracks smaller than 1.25 miles.
“We’re continuing to work with the industry on developing the appropriate elements of the rules for each track, and by that I mean what are the tires that would match up or the gears, as an example,” O’Donnell said. “The core goal for us continues to remain the same, and that’s deliver the best and safest racing possible for the fans, and it’s a goal that the entire industry shares. It’s a great thing in terms of working together with the industry, this year especially. It’s never been stronger. We’re confident it’s going to continue to deliver great racing for the fans.”
Teams began 2015 with a rules package that featured both less downforce and less horsepower. A move to take even more downforce away resulted in a second package used only at Kentucky and Darlington as officials experimented with what the ’16 package might look like. NASCAR also tested a high drag package at Michigan and Indianapolis.
The reaction from drivers and crew chiefs following the events at Darlington and Kentucky amounted to rave reviews.
• “This is what race car driving’s all about. And I feel like now it’s back in the driver and crew chief’s hands to get their car handling like it’s supposed to, not just an arms race of who builds the fastest cars in the shop.” — Denny Hamlin
• “Sold. Keep doing it. Ship it.” — Carl Edwards
• “I think it was awesome. We had a lot better show. You saw cars spinning out on their own, slipping and sliding around. I thought it was really close racing, passes for the lead — stuff we haven’t seen in a long time.” — crew chief Darian Grubb
Superspeedways Daytona and Talladega have a few tweaks for next year, too. Engine roller lifters will replace the current solid lifters (adding approximately 10 horsepower), which in turn will reduce the size of restrictor plates from 29/32 inches to 57/64 inches.
The digital dashboard will also become mandatory in 2016 for all races, and safety enhancements include a new fire suppression activation system, right-hand side double NACA duct to better cool drivers at tracks where a side window is used and an enhanced safety belt restraint system.
Wednesday’s announcement followed a lengthy period of dialogue between the sanctioning body, teams, drivers, manufacturers and Goodyear.
Representatives from Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota, as well as others within the industry, met with the sanctioning body at New Hampshire regarding the packages, and drivers have met with NASCAR several times this season to discuss many issues, including rules.
“Through a lot of dialogue that went on with the industry, we took a pause and we were having a number of different ownership conversations, a number of conversations with the drivers and Goodyear, and decided that we wanted to take a step back and really look at what was the best route to go to get to the rules package that we got to for 2016,” O’Donnell said. “I think, yes, it took longer, but what you’re seeing is an industry that’s really aligned in the direction we’re headed in for 2016 still. There will always be work to do. It’s always going to evolve. But I think we’ll really have a good base package to continue to work from.”