NASCAR Delivers 2014 Competition Package to Teams

NASCAR Delivers 2014 Competition Package to Teams

Data-driven Research Drives Updated Rules Setup

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (December 17, 2013) – NASCAR delivered the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rules package to race teams today, following collaborative development by the industry.

“It was important to get the final pieces of the rules package to teams as quickly as possible following the final tests last week,” said Gene Stefanyshyn, NASCAR vice president of innovation and racing development. “Throughout the process, we gained valuable data that informed many of the changes for 2014. This data will prove useful as we continue to evolve the racing product into the future.”

Changes to the package include statically setting the race car ride height and eliminating the pre- and post-race front height rules and inspections. Additionally, the 2014 package includes a square leading edge on the splitter, side skirt and rear fascia adjustments and an eight-inch rear spoiler. Finally, a 43-inch by 13-inch radiator pan will round out changes for 2014.

“We looked at a number of important factors when finalizing what the 2014 version of the race package will look like,” Stefanyshyn said. “The Gen-6 car has been a great asset to our sport. As we continue to improve and develop the racing product, we’ll rely significantly on the critical data that has been generated by the entire industry over the last several weeks. We’re extremely appreciative of those efforts.”

The first race featuring the new package will be at Phoenix International Raceway on March 2. This package will not be utilized for restrictor-plate races, including the 2014 Daytona 500 on Feb. 23.

NEW RULE ON RESTARTS

NEW RULE ON RESTARTS 9/15/2013

The restart zone will remain in place and the leader will still control the start within the zone. Once the leader accelerates, the green flag will fly (within the restart zone). The flagman will throw the green if the leaders get to the end of the restart zone and the cars have not accelerated. HOWEVER, once leader goes (or the flag flies), the leader can be passed by the second place car before the start/finish line. Drivers are still not allowed to change lanes before the start. If the second place driver jumps the restart, they will be black flagged.(9-15-2013)

New Nascar Rules 9/15/2013

New Nascar Rules   9/15/2013

The new rule will read in part: "Any competitor who takes action with the intent to artificially alter the finishing positions of the event or encourages, persuades or induces others to artificially alter the finishing position of the event shall be subject to a penalty from NASCAR."
Among the moves deemed unacceptable:
— Offering a position in exchange for favor or material benefit and vice versa
— Directing a driver to give up a position to the benefit of another driver
— Intentionally causing a caution
— Intentionally wrecking a competitor
— Intentionally pitting to gain an advantage for another competitor.
These moves will remain OK:
— Contact while racing for position
— Yielding to a faster car
— Laying over for all drivers on a restart.
NASCAR president Mike Helton said the list of approved and unapproved tactics can change as NASCAR continues to define actions in which it believes drivers are not giving it 100 percent of their ability, a requirement also included in the new rule.

New NASCAR Sprint Cup Road-Course Qualifying Procedure Announced

New NASCAR Sprint Cup Road-Course Qualifying Procedure Announced

New Group-Based Format To Bolster Excitement For Sonoma, Watkins Glen

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Apr. 22, 2013) – NASCAR announced today that the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will implement the group-based road course qualifying procedure used in NASCAR Nationwide and NASCAR Touring Series competition during its road-course events at Sonoma Raceway and Watkins Glen International. Under the new procedure, cars will qualify in groups instead of the traditional single-car qualifying runs held on oval race tracks.

“The change will add an exciting element to road-course qualifying,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition. “Fans will be treated to new strategy and increased competition with several cars on track at once.”

The new qualifying rules for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at road courses are as follows:

·      Cars attempting to qualify will be divided into groups. The number of groups, and amount of cars in each, will depend on the number of cars that practice for the event.

·      Group assignments will be based on final practice times.

·      Each qualifying group will be on-track for a set period of time, determined by the Series Director.

·      A car’s best lap time during the group session will be the qualifying lap time of record.

·      A group’s time begins when the first car receives the green flag at the start/finish line.

“This is going to be a terrific new format for our NASCAR weekend,” said Steve Page, president and general manager of Sonoma Raceway. “It will intensify the action, with multiple cars on the track at the same time. It’s a very positive development for our fans.”

“The new format of qualifying at Watkins Glen International enhances the fan experience which is our top priority,” said Michael Printup, president of Watkins Glen. “Qualifying on Saturday for our Cheez-It^TM 355 at The Glen is even more of a not-to-be missed aspect of a weekend of high-quality racing.”

The new format will debut with the Toyota Save-Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway on June 23 and will return at Watkins Glen for the Cheez-It^TM 355 at the Glen on August 11.

Engine Rule for Daytona 500

Engine Rule for Daytona 500: the engine rule is a little different at Daytona 500 [just like qualifying] then the other 35 races, teams must run the same engine from Saturday's first practice session through the Budweiser Duel 150 mile qualifying races. If a team makes a change before the Duel, then it must start at the rear of the Duel 150 field. After the Duel 150 races, teams can make an engine change before the Happy Hour practice session. After that, if an engine change is made, the driver will start at the rear of the Daytona 500.

NASCAR using new laser device for inspection

NASCAR using new laser device for inspection: Along with the development of the Gen-6 race car has been the development of the inspection process. The newest development now in place is the use of a laser device which measures "40 different positions". The device, while similar to a process used in the Formula One series, is massive steps ahead. "There is no other system like this used in any other form of racing," exclaimed John Darby, Managing Director of Competition and the Director of Sprint Cup Series. The race teams have known of the impending inspection change for close to six months. The media, and those who will visit the garage area during the races are getting a first look. (1-18-2013)