LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 03: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #4 Jimmy John's Ford, and Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Office Toyota, lead the field to green for the start of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Pennzoil Oil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 3, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sarah Crabill/Getty Images)
Denny Hamlin explains where the new NASCAR rules package works and why
Shane Walters
The rules package has been hit and miss at various tracks in 2019; Hamlin explains why that is
NASCAR has a new rules package for 2019. In short, the package features less horsepower and more downforce on tracks under a mile. It’s a stark change from the rules direction of years past.
The whole idea was to keep cars closer together. It’s not to create pack racing. But, to bunch up the field and create more passing. That mission has been accomplished.
But, the rules package hasn’t been a complete fix. The package works better on some tracks over others. Denny Hamlin helps explain why that is below.
Heading into 2019, NASCAR fans wanted more short tracks. That desire still exists. But, the show at 1.5-mile tracks has drastically been improved and now these tracks suddenly aren’t the equivalent of watching paint dry.
This weekend, NASCAR heads to Chicagoland Speedway. It’s a track that was built for this new package.
Denny Hamlin talks the 2019 rules package
“With this package, you need a race track where there’s multiple grooves,” Denny Hamlin stated ahead of the race at Chicagoland Speedway.
“That’s where the new aero package really seems to strive is to have a race track where we can really get away from each other in the corners. Then draft up to each other on the straightaways.”
“When we have to run in a single line behind someone — Indy, Pocono and tracks like that — It just really has it’s struggles.”
“Chicago will be a track where we can run from the top to the bottom. We’re looking forward to going there.”