Other tweaks include testing, adjustable track bar.
CONCORD, N.C. — A reduction in horsepower, a shorter rear spoiler and an optional driver adjustable track bar are among the nearly five dozen changes that encompass the 2015 rules package for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams.
After nearly a year of testing and collaboration to arrive at the package, NASCAR officials informed teams of the 2015 changes this week.
In addition to the changes in “hard parts,” NASCAR has banned all private testing by teams for next season. Organizations will be allowed to participate in NASCAR/Goodyear tests only.
Teams currently are allowed to test at non-sanctioned facilities as often as they choose, and have a minimum number of tests allowed at tracks that host Sprint Cup Series races.
There also will not be a preseason test at Daytona International Speedway leading into the season-opening Daytona 500. Teams were expected to be at the 2.5-mile track in January for the annual Preseason Thunder program.
There could also be qualifying and racing in the rain at Sprint Cup Series events contested on road courses if weather is an issue; and the new qualifying format unveiled this year could see some minor tweaks going forward.
“Last year when we did the chassis change, we wanted to do the engine power optimization, but it was too much, too fast for the engine builders,” Gene Stefanyshyn told NASCAR.com.
Stefanyshyn, senior vice president of innovation and racing development, said speeds increased slightly with the implementation of the 2014 package, “so this year, even though we’ve got the power down, we’re re-balancing the car.”
The horsepower reduction, from 850 to 725, will be obtained in part through the use of tapered spacers, which are currently used in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Flat valve lifters will be replaced with roller valve lifters; lower differential gear ratios (targeting 9,000 RPM) will be in use and the rear spoiler height will be reduced from 8 inches to 6 inches.
An adjustable driver track bar will be optional (the device was tested this summer at Michigan International Speedway); while the size of the radiator pan has been decreased from 43 inches to 38 inches.
Stefanyshyn said speeds will likely decrease by no more than 3-4 mph in most instances with the changes.
“You take the power out, but we’re also taking drag off (by trimming the spoiler) to re-balance this whole thing,” he said. “It’s not going to be as dramatic as most people think. We’re hoping … it will make the racing better, closer. Our goals are always that, right? To provide better entertainment for our fans.”
The move to eliminate testing, he said, was at the request of teams. Any team that is caught skirting the rule will face a P6 penalty, the most severe.
“They say ‘it cost a ton of money, takes a ton of time, a ton of resources,’ ” Stefanyshyn said. “They say, ‘We test at tracks we don’t race at, they’re not rubbered in. When all is said and done, what is whole value of thing?’
“They all say that, but they all go (test) because the other guy is going. So how can we control all you guys, where you go? They said, ‘Hey, put down a severe penalty.’ So it’s a P6. It’s a big one.
“We won’t put a bodyguard with each team and follow them around but … thinking that people will let you know (if anyone breaks the rule).”
Teams will still test, but those tests will likely be run in conjunction with Goodyear tire tests and NASCAR.
“What we’re trying to do is get Goodyear, NASCAR and team testing, which are separate now, and bring all three of us together,” he said. “If we organize it well and do it in a smart way, say ‘Goodyear’s got to do their stuff, let’s help them; NASCAR and the teams, if we want to look at this low downforce world, let’s work together; and then you teams, you’ve got your time.’
“That’s the thinking but we have to figure all that out.”
Previously announced for 2015 were the move to automated pit road officiating, a new parts approval process and the implementation of an electronic rule book.
Rules finalized following intensive Research & Development by the industry
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Following more than a year of extensive collaboration with stakeholders throughout the industry, and with a keen eye towards the future, NASCAR has finalized and delivered to teams the 2015 racing package for all three national series.
“This race package represents a lot of hard work by NASCAR, the race teams, the drivers, our manufacturer partners and Goodyear,” said Gene Stefanyshyn, NASCAR senior vice president of innovation and racing development. “We’ve remained committed to constantly looking at our racing, and the work that has been done has been aimed at getting a rules package delivered to the race teams as early as possible.”
Highlighted in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series changes for 2015 are nearly 60 enhancements, including adjustments to the power train, aerodynamics and chassis that are designed to work in concert to deliver drivers more flexibility and teams more adjustability. Fans are expected to benefit from closer racing and more opportunities for drivers to pass on the track.
“We have had fantastic racing so far in 2014,” Stefanyshyn said. “We remain committed to constantly looking to improve it. Our fans deserve it and our industry is pushing for it. That will not stop with the 2015 package; the development will continue over many years to come.”
NASCAR will institute a shorter rear spoiler in its 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series package, which also includes a reduction of engine power, lower rear differential gear ratios and an optional driver adjustable track bar.
Based on the success of group qualifying formats, which were introduced in 2014 for all national series, NASCAR also announced that group qualifying will be utilized for the first time for the Daytona 500.
Additional changes for the 2015 rules include the elimination of team-facilitated private testing, with race teams being instead invited to participate in NASCAR/Goodyear tests throughout the season. NASCAR also will work alongside Goodyear to introduce rain tires should conditions warrant during road course events in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2015.
“We’re very pleased with the rules package and what it will do for our racing,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer. “We’re confident it will continue to generate great racing, along with continuous safety improvements.
“The work alongside our industry has been unprecedented. We’ve had great dialogue with our drivers and teams, our manufacturers and Goodyear, allowing us to build greater efficiencies into the 2015 rules package. We’ve met our goal of delivering rules to teams with time to prepare for next season and we’re seeing the benefits of an updated process for developing our rules paying dividends. It will only continue to improve.”