NASCAR’s Persistence With Bristol’s Dirt Formula Sparks Concerns of a Phoenix Repeat

The debut of the NASCAR short-track package garnered mixed responses from drivers in Phoenix. But most reactions tipped over on the negative side. The features of the package are intended to increase maneuverability on the race track, allowing for more passes. However, Bubba Wallace and others strongly denied such an improvement, with the 23XI Racing driver hurtling cuss words mid-race.

The Bristol race weekend is coming up next. After ditching the dirt track last season, NASCAR is all set to introduce racers and fans to a new Bristol look: the race track newly paved with concrete. However, the Phoenix debacle is raising eyebrows that Bristol may give hiccups to drivers, even more so considering its smaller size.

Bristol gearing up for NASCAR in the shadow of Phoenix

The short-track package introduced a simplified rear diffuser with fewer vertical strakes, no engine panel strakes, and a four-inch spoiler. These tweaks were enough to trigger a range of reactions from drivers. Denny Hamlin and Daniel Suarez exhibited the most positive reactions in the Phoenix practice. Christopher Bell, the Phoenix champ, found no difficulties either. 

But others were visibly irked. Martin Truex Jr was blunt, saying, “Terrible. No change.” William Byron said he could not pass, and when he could, there was a six or seven-lap tire difference. Bubba Wallace also expressed his frustration, “Just so we’re aware, it’s really, really, really, really f**king hard to pass at this place.”

Now we are heading into the Bristol race, and Bob Pockrass recently updated us on the tire situation. He tweeted, “The tire for Bristol is the same as last fall, which had new right-side tire for more wear (the left-side Bristol tire has been used since 2022, the first year of Next Gen). … also there will be resin put down at Bristol, same areas as before, in the lower groove of the turns.”

The tires may be following the old format, but the aero package may spell a worse fortune for Bristol than Phoenix. The tight, half-mile track invites the lowest speeds. And by simple physics, aero changes are the least effective in the slowest air speeds. Hence we may see more drivers cursing the aero package at Bristol like Wallace did at Phoenix.

The tweaked aero package is drawing mixed responses from drivers. However, NASCAR has yet to yield to the nagging demand that racing teams have made for some years now.

Horsepower may be raised soon, albeit with limits

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Horsepower has been toned down over the decades owing to financial issues. Increased horsepower can spur a parts failure, costing racing teams millions of dollars. However, the argument that more horsepower leads to better racing has been gaining ground. The current 670 hp limit may be raised to 750 hp. But 900 hp, once standard in NASCAR, is a completely different topic.

Brandon Thomas, NASCAR’s vice president of vehicle design, explained the scenario. “I’ve got this mug that is optimized to carry 12 ounces of coffee. Well, I want you to put 20 ounces of coffee in it — but you don’t get to change anything. Go ahead. I’ll wait.” He further said: “So for anybody to say there’s a simple fix, they’ve distilled the problem down and skipped all the actual details.” So we may not see a return to NASCAR’s high horsepower days soon.

Racing teams are gearing up to tackle the newest challenge of 2024 in Bristol. Let us see if they can work their way around the aero package or bear with the ordeal.

Read More: Frustrated Bubba Wallace Names Phoenix “Fu**in Hard” After an Unpassable Outing