Details On 2016 Rules Package Unveiled

“The success of the races at Kentucky and Darlington in similar trim proved extremely valuable in accelerating rules development for 2016”.

That’s a lot of gearhead speak, but it essentially means this: Cars will have less grip in the corners, which will require drivers to lift off the gas sooner and actually drive the cars a little more.

The tireless work was necessary because NASCAR absolutely whiffed when it came to the rules for the 2015 season.

The spoiler in 2016’s regular package – which will continue to be used through the end of the season – is six inches high. Except when that package produced a pair of processional races where passing was largely absent, the tide turned even more so toward the low downforce rules package.

In a move it hopes will improve the quality of racing, NASCAR announced Wednesday a low-downforce aerodynamic package at all but two of its tracks for the 2016 season.

What will change: The package will include a 3.5-inch spoiler, a.25-inch front leading splitter edge and a 33-inch wide radiator pan.

“Ultimately, what do we think is going to put on the best race?” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer.

Ironically, in the year Marty McFly predicted the Cubs might win the World Series, we might just be going back to the future after all – and NASCAR might be about to rediscover its soul. O’Donnell said the increase in the size of the radiator pan from the Kentucky and Darlington races was to help teams with the balance of the race auto. Result: Drivers will be more significant in racing.

“Looking at the low-downforce package, what steered us [toward high-drag] initially was the speeds that we would potentially be running with Michigan”, O’Donnell said. That combination generates more passing zones throughout the entire track and provides more options for tire combinations. It’s a step in the right direction for us and we’ll never stop.

“You want to take (Kentucky and Darlington) and have 36 of those next year and continue to evolve through 2017”.

The decision was a long time coming after NASCAR originally planned to test the 2016 package at the All-Star Race in May, with the goal of finalizing the rules shortly thereafter.

Several safety updates are also ahead, including a fire suppression system that the driver can manually activate with their leg, and an updated seat belt restraint system.

Digital dashboards were optional this season but will become compulsory in 2016.