Nascar less powerful in 2019

The cars of the Nascar Cup Series will generally be less powerful but will have more aero downforce in 2019. This is what emerges from the technical regulations for next season revealed by the organizers.

Several packages will be offered depending on the length of the ovals taken and the speeds reached.

The main package will feature a power reduction of around 200hp, with the V8s going from 750 to 550hp via tapered spacers, as well as specific aero appendages with larger spoilers and splitters. This package offering more aero and less power will be used on ovals of more than a mile, i.e. on 17 of the 36 races of the season, and should allow drivers to operate in smaller spaces without being downwind.

“We have been working on it for two years, whether with the teams, the engine manufacturers and the various shareholders, particularly the drivers, to achieve this package., commented Vice President and Director of the Nascar Development Office Steve O'Donnell. We are trying to put the driver back at the center of the race. This is what Nascar needs. We no longer want wind tunnel fights with engineers, but close fights between pilots. »

Nascar will thus put an end to the restriction plates (in force for around thirty years!) which limited the power on the “superspeedways” to prevent the cars from reaching too dangerous speeds. Performance should be similar since the restrictor plates limited power to around 410hp. The Daytona 500 (Florida) which opens each season will however be contested with these plates since this change will take place on April 28 for the race at Talladega (Alabama).

“It should be similar in terms of speeds and overall racing, confirmed Steve O'Donnell. In any case, we will keep an eye on how things develop during the tests as we always do. We will have the opportunity to make some changes if necessary once the weekend begins. »

Official tests will be limited to three versus four this year. Goodyear will also do its tire testing with three teams versus four.

This new regulation could put Chevrolet back on track, the American manufacturer having difficulty keeping up with Ford and Toyota with its Camaro ZL1 coming into effect this season.