Is NASCAR’s Noise Reduction Initiative the First Step Towards EV Introduction in the Future?

It is no secret that NASCAR has been pushing for technological advancements. Many other forms of motorsport have done it, and that includes hybridization and electrification. NASCAR is one of the few sports that has yet to embrace the concept, and traditionalists are not too keen on the change. This even extends to some of the drivers, even though NASCAR is pushing for change.

Among the changes is a reduction in noise produced by the Cup cars. Naturally, an average race in Formula One, IndyCar, MotoGP, or NASCAR, will be absolutely deafening. However, many fans do not mind it, as it is supposed to be part of the live racing experience. Sadly for the traditionalists, NASCAR is trying to combat the noise issue and has been testing mufflers on the Cup Series cars.

This has been a concept that is being tested, especially considering that new cars are in play for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season.

Who has supported this move by NASCAR authorities?

Surprisingly, one NASCAR driver has supported the idea of mufflers. This has been a divisive topic in the past couple of years, but Kyle Larson confessed that this could be good for NASCAR.

He spoke to Dr Diandra and Devon Henry about the matter. Larson said, “I haven’t really felt a heat difference. Could definitely tell a sound difference, which I like. I definitely think our race cars are too loud, and probably are still too loud with the mufflers. I think the cars could be quieter to help with the fan experience.”

His comments came on the back of a 2-day test at the Phoenix Raceway. Larson was one of six drivers on the track who tested a number of aerodynamic combinations, as well as tire combinations. The muffler test was just one aspect of the post-season session, and Kyle Larson was relatively happy. One thing that he stressed was that the cars should not overheat too much because of the mufflers.

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Why is the idea of a quieter car a step towards electrification?

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Normally, electric cars are seen as quieter than their gas-powered counterparts. However, in the case of a series like Formula E, the cars emit a high-pitched whine, which is still less noisy. So it does make sense that the move to reduce the noise on NASCAR Cup cars could be seen as a way to subtly push for electrification. Even the newly-introduced Ford Mustang Dark Horse and Toyota XSE have elements of electric power in them.

Earlier this year, NASCAR tested mufflers to see if they could be implemented at races like the LA Coliseum and Chicago. In a way, the move makes sense as a noisy NASCAR Cup car roaring around the streets could be very disruptive. The noise factor is an issue nearly every street track faces, be it in Formula One, or NASCAR.

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When the mufflers were tested back in January 2023, there was a promise made. To be precise, the noise of the Cup cars would be reduced by 6-10 decibels. Since the LA Coliseum and the Chicago Street Course are enclosed, the noise of the cars will be amplified. So it is important for the officials to see how the racing can be less disrupting. The big question now is, will the fans be receptive to the move, and will the drivers be on board with it? Kyle Larson has already given his seal of approval with regard to the noise. But what do you think the other drivers would have to say?