Out of all the manufacturers this season in NASCAR, Ford are having one hell of a time so far this season. And the phrase, ‘hell of a time’ isn’t in a positive or cheerful context. As for the reasons why that is, Rodney Childers, the crew chief of Kevin Harvick, has subtly pointed out.
Replying to a fan on Twitter, the crew chief emphasized, literally, on the aerodynamics in his answer, something which many were already assuming to be the problem behind Ford lagging behind other teams.
Honestly winning cup races can be very easy when you have these things—
-An incredible driver
-More downforce than everyone else
-LESS drag than everyone else
-More HP than everyone else
-Better setup than everyone else
-Great pit stops
I’ll let you figure out what we can’t fix. https://t.co/7VdNulAFQ1— Rodney Childers (@RodneyChilders4) May 20, 2022
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The fan had asked, “What do you believe the number 1 thing the 4 team has to improve on to get a win? Coming to the track a tick more prepared? In race adjustments? Little of both? Really feel like once y’all get the first one many more will come!!”
“Honestly winning cup races can be very easy when you have these things— -An incredible driver -More downforce than everyone else -LESS drag than everyone else -More HP than everyone else -Better setup than everyone else -Great pit stops I’ll let you figure out what we can’t fix,” Childers replied.
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Childers’ answer led to one fan comparing the condition of struggling old-timers like Gene Haas and Roger Penske to newcomers like Michael Jordan and Pitbull, who are thriving under the new system and Next Gen car.
While a few fans simply agreed to the aerodynamic disadvantage that Fords clearly have against the Chevys and the Toyotas.
Imagine being Gene Haas or Roger Penske. You’ve invested millions and millions of dollars into a sport over the past 10-15 years, built enormous race shops, then Pit Bull & Michael Jordan show up as casual investors and outrun you in year #1.
— Bob Mueller Jr. (@BobMuellerJr) May 20, 2022
Guessing all Fords are fighting the same issue since not a single one finished in the top 10 last week.
— Brian Beller (@bbrunner29) May 20, 2022
Yes its so obvious that the Ford teams are at an aerodynamic disadvantage right now. Absolutely ridiculous. You know NASCAR will see that in the data that comes out of this week's wind tunnel evaluation. I just hope they do something about it ASAP.
— Jamerson (@JamersonD) May 20, 2022
Less drag and more horsepower. NASCAR has done a great job of holding the Fords back with not 1 but 2 changes in the last 2 years
— HappyHarvFan (@ericjanet18) May 20, 2022
Crew chief of Kevin Harvick empathizes with the pit crews
Throughout this season, the pit crews have been suffering incredibly hard with adapting to the new car, new methods, and new rules leading to mistakes that are subsequently leading to harsh penalties.
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Justin Fiedler, the tire changer, shared a thread in which he made a case for the woeful situation of the pit crews this season. And it was on that thread that Kevin Harvick’s crew chief got nostalgic as he empathized with the situation of those who literally keep the car running in a race.
“It’s been tough lately. For 18 years I’ve watched pit road and hardly paid attention to the actual stop. Early in my career I wrecked us on pit road multiple times not watching pit road,” Childers wrote.
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“This year, all I can do is watch the LF. Lucky enough we have been able to back up 3 times.”