NASCAR's new rules: Testing ban, horsepower reduction
NASCAR released its 2015 rules Tuesday with sweeping changes to reduce testing, detune engines and deemphasize aerodynamics.
After allowing teams four tests at sanctioned tracks and unlimited private testing this year, NASCAR will ban teams from testing at any tracks following the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The preseason testing sessions at Daytona International Speedway have been eliminated, though NASCAR executive vice president Steve O'Donnell said the track still would promote the Daytona 500 through its FanFest and media events with drivers.
Under a new system still being developed, Goodyear will collaborate with Sprint Cup teams and NASCAR to plan which tracks will be selected through meetings that O'Donnell said would begin next week.
In the past, Goodyear scheduled tests and invited a handful of teams. O'Donnell said the size and scope of the new tests hadn't been determined.
"The teams have asked for more productive sessions with all of us included," O'Donnell told USA TODAY Sports in a phone interview. "If we can have NASCAR, Goodyear and the race teams all together, it'll be a home run. The second part is anytime you can minimize costs, that's big. We think we've done both."
Through a tapered spacer (which also is used in the Nationwide Series), horsepower will be reduced from 900 to roughly 725, and a 6-inch spoiler (cut by 1.25 inches from this season) will decrease downforce by 300 pounds.
O'Donnell said the changes, which had been in development for nearly a year through track testing and computer simulation, were designed to enhance racing through the likelihood of more passing – particularly on the 1.5-mile tracks (known as "intermediate") that comprise 11 of 36 annual races.
"We believe what will contribute to better racing is the ability to get off the gas in the corners," O'Donnell said. "If you're able to slow down the straightaway speeds a bit, but really affect the speeds in the corners, where drivers have to make decisions on how much they want to get off the throttle, it allows for more passing in the turns, and it allows for tire manufacturer to really march toward a grippier tire. That will contribute to even better racing.
"Drivers said as the racing exists today, when they go in the corners, it's very rare to make a mistake. The car handles almost too well. This gives us an opportunity to force some mistakes and to pick different lanes. We think it'll add more dynamics in each corner, particularly on intermediate tracks."
NASCAR tried multiple options last month during a test at Michigan International Speedway, and drivers preferred a lesser downforce package without reducing horsepower. The 2015 rules were unveiled to teams Tuesday morning, and O'Donnell said the feedback was supportive.
"It's been an unprecedented collaboration," he said. "The drivers and teams realize where we want to go as a sport. Their input has been tremendous. We know that not everyone is always going to agree with us, but I think the reaction we've had so far has been really positive."
The engine changes will incur higher costs, but O'Donnell said it was part of a long-term strategy for a rules makeover that will continue into the 2016 season and is aimed at saving money in the long run.
"I think any change we know usually presents costs," he said. "We sat down with engine builders and talked about the direction. It's not lost there will be costs involved. This is a collaborative effort to have the best process to get to the horsepower number we were looking for, and I think something key is this wasn't just a 2015 move. We're setting the table to look ahead for a new engine as well."
Other 2015 rules changes:
-- The option for a cockpit-controlled panhard bar to allow drivers to alter handling with a suspension adjustment that currently is made by crew members with a wrench during pit stops.
--A new video analytics system for officiating the pits (judging whether cars enter the box correctly and lug nuts properly are tightened on tires), which is being tested during the Chase for the Sprint Cup. The 2015 system will rely on enhanced cameras and software that will be analyzed by eight officials in a high-tech trailer. A half-dozen officials still will roam the pits for communication with teams.
--Rain tires will be used on road courses (as in the Nationwide and Camping World Truck series) with mandatory wipers, defogger and rear flashing rain light installed for race weekend at Sonoma Raceway and Watkins Glen International.
--An online rulebook (scheduled to go live next month) will offer teams access to computer animated drawings and 3-D illustrations.
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