NASCAR updating Cup Series short track, road course rules package

by
Peter Stratta
January 10, 2024

Photo Credit to Chris Graythen/Getty Images

2024 Cup Series to compete with altered package on road courses and short tracks

After an offseason test at Phoenix Raceway, NASCAR has announced changes to the short track and road course rules package for the 2024 Cup Series. The following changes will be in place by race four of the season at Phoenix (Sunday, March 10). The only tracks under a mile excluded from these tweaks are Bristol and Dover.

The new Next Gen car package will be highlighted by a simplified underbody diffuser. It will also include:

Splitter stuffers used in the 2023 season
No strakes on the engine panel
A three-inch rear spoiler (up from two inches)
Fewer rear end vertical diffuser strakes

“At the test, we noticed an improvement in traffic,” said Eric Jacuzzi, NASCAR Vice President of Vehicle Performance. “The car did not lose rear downforce when it yawed, which is an issue we fight with the current car. The drivers would be able to slide around more on the short tracks and really have to be less careful about putting power down. We felt that would be a benefit, and that was the big takeaway from the driver feedback. At the test, they felt they could really tell that it was more forgiving. They felt they could slide the car.”

The immediate results from these changes are of course yet to be seen. The Next Gen car has faced scrutiny from drivers and fans alike for lackluster racing on short tracks and road courses. These issues have been compounded by larger tires, better brakes, less horsepower, and shifting. Goodyear did implement new tires for last fall’s Martinsville race that were well received.

The image below provided by NASCAR details the changes made to the Next Gen car’s underwing.

NASCAR did also say that work is still ongoing in regards to shifting and other areas in this rules package. These new changes will not be a part of the season-opening Busch Light Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (Sunday, February 4 at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90).