NASCAR has announced the rules for 2016 and the low-downforce package is coming back.
In a 2:30 p.m. teleconference, NASCAR Executive Vice-President and Chief Racing Development Officer Steve O’Donnell announced that every race, sans the plate races, would use the low-downforce aerodynamic package that was used at Kentucky Speedway in July and Darlington Raceway on Labor Day Sunday.
The changes are as follows: a 3.5 inch rear spoiler (down from six), quarter inch front splitter leading edge (down from two), a 33-inch wide radiator pan (down from 38), rear gear ratios adjusted to maintain nine-thousand RPM maximum engine speed and a 1.38 third gear ratio for tracks smaller than 1.25 miles (Martinsville Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Richmond International Raceway, Dover International Speedway, Phoenix International Raceway and New Hampshire Motor Speedway).
Some changes were also made to the superspeedway package (Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway): Engine roller lifters will replace solid lifters (I don’t know what that is or does, but the bulletin NASCAR handed out says it’ll add 10 horsepower), restrictor plate size reduced from 29/32 to 57/64 inch and standardized radiator and oil cooler (effective Daytona in July).
Regardless of track, all cars will have the digital dash.
In regards to tires, the “base package provides opportunity for Goodyear to safely develop track-specfic tires to complement aerodynamic effects for optimal racing.”
Safety changes were also made: Fire suppression system activation cable routed to dash or right-hand side leg board, right-hand side double NACA duct to cool drivers at track where side window is used and seat belt restraint systems must meet SFI 16.6 specification.
O’Donnell also noted that the changes just pertain to the Sprint Cup Series.
You can click on the bulletin below to read the changes.
