Following the Richmond Cup race, the speedway was primed to launch a two-day exploratory expedition of a fresh batch of Cup Series regulations, tailored for short tracks and road courses, potentially being shuffled into the deck for the 2024 racing season. Most of the evaluations were planned around a new kind of front splitter, called a “lift splitter” by drivers and an “up/down splitter” by the team, about which Denny Hamlin recently provided some interesting insights.

With the trials completed and the drivers having cut their teeth on the new short track package, author Kelly Candrall offered her keen observations. This sparked a chain of communication on Twitter, a thread interweaving the perspectives of a NASCAR enthusiast and Denny Hamlin.

An intriguing exchange between a NASCAR enthusiast and Denny Hamlin

As Richmond Speedway became the testing ground for the new short track package, a writer for Racemag named Kelly Candrall shared some insider scoop on the drivers’ interaction with the fresh package, claiming that the drivers barely felt a difference and found the modifications inadequate.

The tweet piqued the interest of Denny Hamlin, who promptly weighed in with his thoughts on how to enhance the new models. He put forth a three-point strategy to boost the performance of the existing models.

His riposte read,

“1. Add 100 hp (engine guys said we could do it quickly)

2. Get rid of shifting

3. Make the tires wear out (not just lose grip because of heat)

Aero just isn’t likely the fix when we are at slower speeds like short tracks.”

The thread might have wound down there, but a keen response from a NASCAR follower fanned the flames. The enthusiast broke down Hamlin’s proposals and reflected, stating that every driver and aficionado would be over the moon with more horsepower but, Steve Phelps doesn’t seem to hold the same torch for this idea. It’s still up in the air whether it’s feasible with the new vehicle unless it’s given the green light. Moreover, he also gave an idea about the new modification, saying, Why not play a different tune by using assorted tire compounds during the race, akin to the practices of Indy and F1 circuits?

Hamlin once again stepped into the ring to back his proposals, responding,

“Great questions. My reply

1. Not sure Steve Phelps feels one way or the other about HP. Comp decisions aren’t really what he’s involved in.
2. It’s DEFINITELY possible. We have enough data now on all tracks to come up with a proper drop gear/RPm combo to combats shifting.
3. I LOVE the idea of multiple compounds that teams can choose from. You would see all kinds of strategies on when to use grippy tires vs. long-run tires.”

Conversations of this nature offer a deeper dive into the intricacies of the NASCAR universe. Nevertheless, the results of the test run were also disclosed on the NASCAR official site.

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Drivers’ experience with the new front splitter

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On Monday, NASCAR teams took to Richmond Raceway, eager to crack the code on the merits of a novel splitter, aerodynamic enhancements, and a fresh approach to Goodyear tire compounds, all part of the proposed 2024 regulations package for the NASCAR Cup Series on short tracks and road courses.

As per nascar.com, Dr. Eric Jacuzzi, the point man for NASCAR’s vehicle performance, noted after Monday’s runs that much of the driver feedback suggested it didn’t hit the nail on the head, prompting competition organizers to fine-tune the plan for Tuesday.

The second day saw the continuation of the testing marathon at the 0.75-mile circuit, with drivers from all six teams slated to give the new front splitter and tires a whirl. Nevertheless, the drivers who had just survived Sunday’s 400-lap endurance race didn’t paint a picture of a markedly different experience from the previous gritty conditions.

Following this, officials penciled in another group run for Tuesday, switching out the 2-inch rear spoiler for a 4-inch version to better balance the load. To amp up its influence, Jacuzzi disclosed that the downturned section of the front splitter had been elongated.

Post-Monday’s practice, Christopher Bell voiced, “The track is so slick that you are naturally going to get spread out because you’re sliding around like crazy. All six of us are just complaining about being sideways loose, and you know the tracks that we complain about the aero package are places that are high grip, like Phoenix and Martinsville. Loudon would have been better than here, for sure.”

Now that the new modifications made by NASCAR have nearly failed to meet expectations, it will be a sight to behold whether NASCAR heeds Denny Hamlin’s advice or charts its own course. Besides, do let us know your suggestions on what modifications can be made by NASCAR to make short-track racing better.

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