Have you noticed NASCAR’s little experiments since the Next Gen car arrived in 2022, especially on its short tracks? Recently, they implemented a new aerodynamic package. NASCAR had high hopes for a new, simplified diffuser design tested after the Richmond race last year. The goal was to improve how cars handled in close racing conditions, making it easier for faster cars to pass. However, the experiment failed, after it did not make much difference.

In the most recent experiment to solidify the short track package, NASCAR has chosen ‘The Madhouse’ for the Clash. This will mark the first time the Cup Series has raced at the Bowman Gray Stadium since 1971. A new short track will give NASCAR more room for experimentation.

NASCAR’s continued efforts to strengthen its short-track package

NASCAR is trying to make its short-track races more competitive. In another experiment, NASCAR teamed up with Goodyear to try out new kinds of tires on the Richmond Raceway. If you remember Daniel Suarez flying on the track, it was because of these tires. Teams had to make strategic tire choices during the race. They had to select from two types of Goodyear tires: the faster but less durable “option” tire (red lettering) and the more consistent but slower “prime” tire (yellow lettering). Each team gets six sets of option tires and two sets of prime tires. Balancing speed and tire life was crucial, as a wrong decision can significantly impact race results.

Denny Hamlin, in a recent episode of Actions Detrimental, agreed that the two variants of tires did make the race interesting, He said, “It was (intriguing) for sure, I found it very interesting, watching the race back, there was an element of it for sure.” However, Hamlin pointed out the lapses by Goodyear. Where teams were given old tires. Old tires, according to him, can be the difference between a win and a loss. The experiment of tires is still in its first stages, but it’s a start. NASCAR is gathering data and feedback. We might also get to see these in Bristol in the playoffs, as that is the next short track.

Now, the addition of the new short track will also help in crafting the perfect package. The Clash will be held at the BGS on Feb. 2, 2025. It’s been around since 1937, and it’s NASCAR’s longest-running weekly track since 1949. The same year, the NASCAR Cup Series launched as the Strictly Stock division. This place is legendary! It’s where NASCAR got its start, and it’s produced some of the sport’s biggest names.

There couldn’t be a better testing ground than BGS. It was the same track where the Next-gen was tested before finally getting used at the 2022 Clash. The track is so demanding that it pushes cars and drivers to the absolute limit. Imagine the data NASCAR can get from that! Plus, it’s a place where fans go crazy. Bringing NASCAR back there would supercharge excitement for short-track racing. And let’s not forget, young drivers can learn so much about car control and racing hard on a track like that. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

Amid the continued experiments, the NASCAR community, including drivers and fans have time and again appealed to NASCAR to increase the horsepower of the cars. Many believe this would make things interesting on a short track. But NASCAR seems undeterred.

Is Increasing the horsepower an option?

NASCAR is on a mission to make racing more exciting, especially on the short tracks. To achieve this, many drivers are pushing for more power under the hood. They believe that extra horsepower would lead to more thrilling passes and closer competition. Many have voiced their opinion on the matter in the past. Including NASCAR champion Joey Logano, who said, “We want more power. It increases tire wear. It makes the track wider. And it’s more bada*s.”

Another NASCAR veteran, Kevin Harvick, has also asked NASCAR to increase the horsepower. He had previously said, “I still think it’s got to have more than 1,000 horsepower.” Although the decision makers are not vouching for this as according to them, this experiment has a high cost-to-success ratio.

Reiterating this, NASCAR Chief Racing Development Officer John Probst said, “If you add the horsepower, you add the cost, then you see if it is better. There’s no guarantee you get there, and it would be any better. And I think there’s some evidence that shows as we add horsepower, they run further apart.” NASCAR is unwilling to take the gamble, as there isn’t much data that suggests its success.

As for the upgrade being expensive, maybe NASCAR can first settle the charter debate. This would give teams more money and then this might seem like a feasible option. Making the competition more competitive and thrilling. What are some of your suggestions that you would like NASCAR to implement in its short-track package? Let us know in the comments below.