From Size to Materials, HMS Details Massive Wheel & Tire Differences Between the Cup & Xfinity Series

Rick Hendrick’s team made a successful return to the Xfinity Series in 2022, ending a 13-year interval. Since their comeback, the team has come close to victory with several runner-up finishes. In the Cup Series though, their dominance is prevalent. The team bagged two races out of four with Kyle Larson‘s victory at Las Vegas, and William Byron‘s triumph at Daytona.

Ahead of their crucial Bristol race, HMS shared crucial differences between the wheels and tires of the cars used in the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series. Let’s get on with it.

How are Cup series wheels and tires different from that of Xfinity series ones?

If you have any doubts about the specifics, it is going to be crystal clear now, thanks to the informative post by Hendrick Motorsports on their Instagram handle. The differences are as follows:

1. The Cup Series tire boasts an impressive 18-inch diameter, while the Xfinity Series tire is slightly smaller, measuring 15 inches.
2. The Cup wheels use one lug nut and are aluminum, making them much lighter than the Xfinity ones. The latter uses five lug nuts and the wheel is made of steel.

Apart from that, NASCAR eliminated the truck arms in the Next Gen cars, resulting in a completely revamped underside. This change gives the Cup Series cars a fresh look compared to their Xfinity counterparts.

Other than the ones mentioned, there exist a few other notable differences. The Cup Series cars have exhaust pipes on both sides, positioned near the doors. These cars feature a modern five-speed sequential manual transmission and an independent rear suspension. The Next Gen design represents a significant upgrade. These cars feature a modern five-speed sequential manual transmission and an independent rear suspension.

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The Xfinity cars retain the old configuration, with their exhaust pipes located on the right-hand side. Surprisingly, Xfinity Series cars still use carburetors, a technology that NASCAR phased out in the Cup Series cars back in 2012. Xfinity cars also have a slightly smaller wheelbase, measuring 105 inches (267 cm). Additionally, Xfinity cars are approximately 11 inches longer, 4 inches narrower, and 1 inch taller than their Cup series counterparts

Similarities between NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series cars

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While the Cup Series and Xfinity Series cars exhibit significant differences, they share some key similarities, particularly in their engines. Both series utilize engines with a 358 cubic inch (5.9 liters) displacement. This consistent engine size ensures a level playing field in terms of power output. Both Cup and Xfinity cars feature V8 engines. These naturally aspirated engines rely on pushrod technology, which has stood the test of time and remains a hallmark of American racing.

NASCAR Cup cars are indeed faster than Xfinity cars, but the margin is not substantial. The difference usually amounts to just a few miles per hour. Interestingly, there are instances where Xfinity pole speeds surpass those of the Cup Series. The speed gap between the two series narrowed in 2022, making for more competitive racing. When NASCAR introduced the Next Gen car, their primary focus wasn’t solely on speed. Instead, they aimed to enhance the overall on-track product.

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