While the Next Gen car performed admirably at intermediate tracks, there were not up to the level in road courses and short tracks.
Keeping that in mind, NASCAR is planning to fix the issue and is already working on it.
Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s Chief Operating Officer and NASCAR President Steve Phelps were asked many questions regarding the lackluster performance in tracks other than superspeedways and intermediates. O’Donnell revealed that aero change is one of the changes on the agenda.
“I think you have to start with really looking at a small sample size in terms of what we’ve been able to go out there and do, particularly on the short tracks,” O’Donnell said.
“For sure looking at some aero changes for both short tracks and road courses. We have a lot of dialogue going on with the drivers in terms of potentially looking at some power things. I think that’s a little more complicated.”
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NASCAR has already started planning for changes, one being a tire test at Martinsville Speedway ahead of the playoffs.
“There are some things we’ve looked at even through Garage 56 that we found from an aero standpoint that could be put in place as early as next year for both short tracks and road courses,” O’Donnell continued.
“The good news is continuing to dial in on the intermediates which we believe we’re in a really good spot, but then really focus on the short tracks and road courses. A lot of work being done collectively to focus on both areas.”
NASCAR has been planning to take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2023 with the Garage 56 designation, with the car developed by Hendrick Motorsport and Chevrolet. This opportunity will allow NASCAR to test new technology during the endurance race.