NASCAR will test promising new short track package after New Hampshire

There is a lot of discussion around how to improve short-track racing in this NASCAR Next Gen car, and something is being done about it. Drivers have been asking NASCAR to get aggressive in finding solutions to the racing issues on the smaller tracks and road courses.

In order to get more passing and create more racing on these tracks, NASCAR is fiddling around a bit more. There has already been tests revolving around tire changes. However, according to Matt Weaver of Sportsnaut, the upcoming test will focus on the underwing as well as downforce settings.

The Next Gen car produces too much dirty air and has too much downforce on short tracks. That’s the plain and simple explanation. How you get that to change, that is where it gets complicated.

Six drivers will be selected to the test that will take place on the Monday following next week’s New Hampshire race. Weaver spoke with several drivers about the test. Corey LaJoie was open with how he viewed the test.

“They’re trying a new aero package with a different splitter and a whole different philosophy,” LaJoie said to Weaver. “They’ve seen a lot of success with the (computational fluid dynamics) testing. The thought process behind it is freaking wild.”

So, could we see a more intense package for the short tracks moving forward?

NASCAR short tracks need some more love

Of course, it always stinks when the short tracks are no good. These are the places where NASCAR was born and molded. Richmond, Martinsville, Bristol – all of them deserve high-quality racing when the Cup Series comes to town.

While NASCAR has tried to improve the racing on these tracks, not much has worked. There was a tire test earlier this season that showed some promise. However, Goodyear is going to have to decide whether they are okay with their tires blowing up on TV or not.

However, with an aggressive approach to the underwing and to the downforce produced by the car, there is likely improvement to be made. Increasing horsepower is going to be the first thing that many fans and others will ask for. Still, there is only so much you can do with power before the cost becomes an issue.

Plain and simple, these short tracks deserve more love. Let’s bring exciting racing back to these tracks. Don’t forget, it will also do a lot to make the championship at Phoenix a more impressive event as well.