The next stop in NASCAR’s ongoing testing is the Atlanta Motor Speedway. This was a track that was reconfigured and updated much to the dislike of many big names. Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch commented on this issue.
The tire tests and the Next Gen tests will be crucial in deciding the last remaining details on the engine and aerodynamic package in the coming season in NASCAR. As of now, all tracks except Talladega and Daytona will run the higher 670hp package. What remains now is Atlanta.
The track was updated to have, most notably, new banking on turns, new asphalt, narrower groove in turns, and different transitions at the end of straights.
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What a joyous moment as the last bit of asphalt was put down on the all new AMS track! What better way to celebrate the moment by a firework show! After months of engineering and paving, AMS is ready for March 18-20! pic.twitter.com/qsg4MN9QwR
— Atlanta Motor Speedway (@amsupdates) December 21, 2021
What do Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch think about the new Atlanta track?
Stewart-Haas Racing driver, Kevin Harvick’s opinion was that the new track isn’t “very good.” He said, “I think the proper thing to do would be to probably build a short track, the cheapest thing to do would be to leave the walls where they are.”
Harvick added, “If you just keep winging it, and don’t get the driver’s input, you’re just gonna keep getting the same conclusion.”
“You can’t have a bunch of suits designing a racetrack.”
Joe Gibbs driver Kyle Busch suggested, “Coming to Atlanta with more banking, less race track to race does not sound appealing.”
However, one of the most popular NASCAR drivers, Chase Elliott, remained indifferent to the changes. He said, “I’m not sure why it’s such a big deal. They want to repave it, redo it..repave it and redo it, works for me.”
“I’m gonna come back here as long as I have the opportunity and try to win and compete at a high level regardless of we race on a big track or in a parking lot.”
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Moreover, that was in 2021. Now with the Next Gen cars, fans and drivers would hope that the new track clicks with the new car. The coming tests will give us a fair bit of idea as to what the accurate picture is.
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So let’s hope it’s a good one for everyone.
Also Read: Did Stewart-Haas Racing Leak the Livery for Kevin Harvick’s 2022 Car?