You have to give NASCAR credit for effort. After a somewhat successful race using a different racing package at Indianapolis Motor Speedway last season, NASCAR brought out that same package for the Xfinity race on Saturday at Pocono International Raceway. It was a bust.
NASCAR’s attempt to improve failed at Pocono Saturday
NASCAR was attempting to improve the racing by tightening the field with the hopes of multiple passes through the race. Restrictor plates commonly used at the super speedways of Daytona International and Talladega were installed in the Xfinity cars along with an increase in the size of the rear spoiler. In a race last season in Indianapolis, the package produced a decent enough and certainly improved product. Unfortunately for NASCAR and its fans, that package did not produce similar results at the tricky triangle.
After just a few short laps, the field was spread out as much as ever. The only real result from this package were that the cars were much slower and easily noticed by not just the drivers, but by the fans in the stands as well.
NASCAR’s Attempts Will Continue
Granted it probably didn’t matter much what package was run for Kyle Busch who was the dominant car all afternoon. Busch later failed post race inspection and most likely the victory will be encumbered by NASCAR this coming week. But it was the lack of passing on the track that NASCAR hoped to have provided which was the disappointment.
Eric Jacuzzi, in charge of NASCAR’s aero, expressed his disappointment after Saturdays race. He tweeted after the race, “Disappointing day today. Not enough cornering ability to make the package work through (turns) 1 and 3. Was worth a shot. We’ll make it up to you at Michigan next week.”
Back to the drawing board for Eric and his staff. The struggle by NASCAR to improve the racing continues.
Thanks for reading. Listen to WTBQ radio on Monday and Friday morning at 845 as I join the gang on the Frank Truatt Morning Show discussing thw world of NASCAR. Tune in to 1110AM, 93.5FM or streamed on line at WTBQ.com. You can follow me on twitter @Jimlaplante.
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