William Byron: “The biggest difference is you’re accelerating into a corner, which is a different feel for most of us.”
Four drivers tested the 2019 NASCAR rules package at Charlotte Motor Speedway on October 23, 2018
NASCAR hosted a Goodyear tire test with the new 2019 rules package on Tuesday. The test was conducted on the 1.5-mile of Charlotte Motor Speedway.
This rules package stemmed from the NASCAR All-Star Race at Charlotte earlier in the year. But, the package has changed slightly since that All-Star race.
The rear spoiler will sit at 8-inches by 61-inches. The new radiator pan is 37 inches and tapers to 31 inches. The splitter has been modified as well with just a two inch overhang.
In short, the teams have been given a little more horsepower. In addition, there’s more downforce.
The package will be used as select tracks over 1-mile. In total, 17 races will feature the tapered spacer engine, aero ducts and a taller spoiler.
NASCAR drivers comment on the new rules
Jones: Erik Jones didn’t transfer into the NASCAR All-Star race in May. However, he did finish 2nd in the Monster Energy Open at Charlotte.
“This package has even more power,” Erik Jones said. “I don’t think we’ll be close to wide open once we get rolling. It depends on how much you need to trim it out.”
“We’ve tried some stuff where you can gain some easy speed – three or four tenths of a second – but we don’t really know yet how that’s going to affect you in a pack. We’ve got 100 more horsepower now and a little bit more downforce (than the original All-Star package),” Jones concluded.
Byron: William Byron is in his first year as a NASCAR Cup Series driver. After winning four NXS races the year prior, he’s collected three top 10’s in MENCS competition.
“The biggest difference is you’re accelerating into a corner, which is a different feel for most of us,” William Byron said.
“Other than that, I feel like guys can figure it out pretty soon. (This package) is more about precision with how you’re around guys and how you make moves. It’s still racing, it’s the same race car and you’ll have to do the same things to go fast,” Byron concluded.
Hemric: Daniel Hemric has a new gig for 2019. He’ll drive for Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series. He was at the test in an RCR machine.
“I feel like that with the tire we’re on and the package we’re driving, the speed sensation is still there and they’ve done a good job with this package,” said Hemric.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how the speeds change when we’re in a draft. … Your corner entry points are pretty much the same. Once we get some more laps in, we’ll get a better idea, but we’re pretty happy with it so far.”
“We’re finding little things that matter. There’s risk versus reward with how much speed you want to gain versus how much better you want it to drive,” Hemric concluded.
There’s another tire test on the way for the new 2019 rules package. Atlanta Motor Speedway will host a test on October 30th, 2018. The package will make it’s 2019 debut at the Atlanta race track.
More
NASCAR announces the 2019 rules package
The in-car track bar adjuster will be eliminated in 2019
2019 rules package approved by the race teams
Denny Hamlin comments on the future of NASCAR
Tracks listed in a draft of the 2019 rules package
Kyle Busch anticipates the All-Star package becoming less exciting
Stewart-Haas Racing says switching the to the All-Star package is a ‘big task’
NASCAR is pleased with the new aero package
