NASCAR is taking downforce levels back to the mid-90s
Ahead of the 2022 season, NASCAR launched the Next Gen car. Fans will mostly agree that the product on intermediate ovals saw a massive improvement. However, the same product on road courses and short tracks saw a massive decline.
For 2023, NASCAR has just announced changes in an attempt to fix the package for most short tracks as well as road courses. The package will make it’s debut at Phoenix Raceway.
NASCAR recently hosted a test at Phoenix Raceway. Multiple configurations were attempted. The package selected was the one most drivers preferred.
However, tracks such as Dover Motor Speedway, WorldWide Technology Raceway and Bristol Motor Speedway will not use the low downforce package.
“That basically adds up to about a 30% downforce reduction,” Dr. Eric Jacuzzi told NASCAR.com. “We’re now in a downforce level we haven’t been at since pre-2000s for sure — like mid ’90s.”
NASCAR Low Downforce Package
– 2″ rear spoiler (Reduced from 4″)
– Removal of three diffuser strakes, engine panel strakes and diffuser outer fencing trimming
Why NASCAR changed body shapes for 2023
NASCAR Low Downforce
Schedule
March 12
Phoenix Raceway
March 26
Circuit of the Americas
April 2
Richmond Raceway
April 16
Martinsville Speedway
May 21
North Wilkesboro Speedway
June 11
Sonoma Raceway
July 2
Chicago Street Course
July 16
New Hampshire Motor Speedway
July 30
Richmond Raceway
August 13
Indianapolis Motor Speedway (Road Course)
August 20
Watkins Glen International
October 8
Charlotte Motor Speedway (Road Course)
October 29
Martinsville Speedway
November 5
Phoenix Raceway
