NASCAR short track test at Phoenix Raceway scheduled for early December

Throughout the 2023 season, NASCAR has made adjustments to the short track package, but nothing has really moved the needled in a drastic way. For right now, it seems that horsepower increases aren’t going to happen. However, a short track test at Phoenix in a few weeks could prove fruitful.

NASCAR has scheduled the Phoenix test for December 5-6, according to Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports. There are also a few big names that will be behind the wheel for their respective manufacturers. Toyota, Ford, and Chevrolet will each get two drivers at the test.

Pockrass says that Christopher Bell (Toyota), Ryan Blaney (Ford), and Kyle Larson (Chevy) will all be at the test. That’s 3/4ths of your Championship 4 and the Cup Series champ himself, Blaney. Corey LaJoie will be the second Chevy driver. Legacy Motor Club will likely participate for the first time ever with Toyota.

I’d assume Erik Jones would participate in that test. He missed out on the Richmond test earlier this season to get married, good excuse. However, it could be John Hunter Nemechek, who is making his return to the Cup Series.

On the Dale Jr. Download, Kevin Harvick made a reference to this upcoming test. Harvick believes NASCAR is going to make a “big swing” in Phoenix.

During championship weekend, Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR COO, talked about the upcoming test as well. It does sound like they are going to pull out all the stops, from an aero standpoint, and also add a new tire.

NASCAR short track test will focus on aero, shifting

Back in Phoenix, during the “state of the sport” press conference, O’Donnell was open about the test. Drivers and teams have harped all season about the lack of power as well as the shifting on short tracks as reasons for the lackluster product.

Again, NASCAR is unlikely to do anything about horsepower, for now. However, they are going to take a look at shifting and see if they are able to make adjustments. That will be a big focus for NASCAR, as O’Donnell pointed out earlier this month.

As far as aerodynamics go, NASCAR’s short track test will take a look at that as well. O’Donnell said that there are going to be adjustments with the underbody. Earlier this season, NASCAR tested at Richmond and completely took off the diffuser.

So, we’ll see what the test yields. Hopefully, it is as positive as NASCAR seems to be about it. It’s very encouraging they are willing to make big changes in the off-season and small adjustments in-season.

2024 feels like it could be a pivotal year for NASCAR. Let’s hope the racing is improved on what is usually a great set of race tracks.