NASCAR executive Steve O’Donnell announced in a teleconference on Tuesday afternoon that the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will adding Kentucky rule changes for the race on July 11th.
The package will consist of reducing the spoiler height to 3.5 inches and also reducing the size of the splitter, giving the cars notably less downforce and subsequently aiming to assist in producing closer racing.
The package is also going to implement higher-grip tires than those that were used last season at the track. Those tires have not been designed for the new package, but there will be more practice time during the weekend given for teams to figure out the new tire to assist all of the crews.
The new rules package is planned on being use for just this race only, however if it is successful, O’Donnell said it could be used again in the future. He also remarked that he is open to seeing them used in a Chase race.
Several drivers including Brad Keselowski and Martin Truex Jr. have been quoted saying they are excited about the new package.
O’Donnell also said NASCAR wanted to see more exciting races with more lead changes. At this point last season, there were 396 lead changes in the series; however this year has seen just 302 to date.
The switch could see changes in the points standings after the race. Kevin Harvick currently leads the standings, with Truex Jr. in second. Having less downforce on the cars will assist those who look after their tyres well, and those who put slipstreaming into good effect, whilst having more mechanical grip from the tires will help those who can corner at higher speeds. Ultimately, the speeds of the cars will not likely change at all; if anything, the speeds may increase further.
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