The purpose of the new aero package that was introduced to NASCAR Cup Series cars this weekend at Phoenix Raceway is to improve competition and the quality of racing on certain short tracks and all road courses this season.
Cup Series drivers experienced the effects of the package for the first time during a practice session on Friday night at the one-mile desert oval. Defending champion Joey Logano is among the group of drivers who believe the changes are a positive indication of progress for NASCAR competition.
“There is no doubt in my mind that this is the right direction. Is it the fix? I don’t know if I would call it the fix, but it is definitely the right direction to make racing better on the short tracks,” Logano said.
The Team Penske driver was part of the test session NASCAR held at Phoenix Raceway in January to dial in the new package. According to Logano, of all the changes tried out during the test, “this is the best.” The package involves a swap to a two-inch spoiler, as well as removal of three diffuser strakes and engine strake panels. This is expected to create a 30-percent reduction in downforce.
Logano believes the drop in downforce will increase the driver’s impact behind the wheel. With less drag, a driver is forced to use the brakes more and make smoother movements — a factor the No. 22 Ford driver expects will separate the field during Sunday’s race.
“One part that was a struggle last year, everyone was in the same lane and you couldn’t even move around to find clean air,” Logano said, describing what it was like to wheel the Next Gen car on a short track last season. “Now, you saw it in practice yesterday, cars were moving up into the second and third lane.”
It might require an adjusted driving style, but Logano is largely embracing the new aero package.
So is Joe Gibbs Racing’s Christopher Bell.
“I don’t know if I’m biased toward it because I really like it, but I made passes in practice that I know I absolutely wouldn’t have with the old package,” Bell said. “I don’t know. I’m happy.”
Bell turned the 24th quickest lap during Friday night’s 50-minute practice session.
While Bell is optimistic the new package will help create ample passing opportunities during the Ruoff Mortgage 500 on Sunday, he’s also careful in discussing his thoughts about its long-term impact.
“It’s very, very early,” Bell cautioned. “I felt like I could pass a little easier and I could maintain my position easier when I was following guys, but we will know more on Sunday.”
The No. 20 Toyota driver has experienced a mixed bag of results since the Cup Series season began at Daytona Int’l Speedway. He finished third in the Daytona 500, 32nd at California’s Auto Club Speedway and fifth at Las Vegas Motor Speedway last weekend.
He’ll be on the hunt for a second consecutive top-five finish in Phoenix.