NASCAR’s latest aerodynamic rules package is set to debut at the Phoenix Raceway this weekend. With the addition of a two-inch rear spoiler and the removal of strakes, the governing body is hoping to reduce downforce by 30% with the new changes. However, will these changes be really able to combat the speed reduction crisis faced by NASCAR?

Last week’s Cup Series race in Las Vegas wasn’t much exciting to a large part of the audience. And this was probably because the two dominant drivers at the speedway, William Byron and Kyle Larson finished in the first and second position respectively. However, on taking a closer look, a lack of passing during the race, especially for the lead, comes up as the main reason behind the predictable results. But there is more.

Fans react to 550-horsepower-comment by Tyler Reddick

In his recent appearance on The Dale Jr. Download, 23XI Racing driver Tyler Reddick explained that the lack of passing during the race reminds him of the older 550-horsepower days. He said, “As they’ve continued to make this car better, or figure this car out, it’s kind of slowly watching it migrate back to almost wide-open racing we saw with the 550-package.”

Unfortunately, Tyler Reddick’s statement confirmed the fans’ fears surrounding the Next Gen cars. Hoping that the governing body will find a way to increase car speed while making the races more interesting and unpredictable, fans shared their views on NASCAR’s subreddit.

Another cause for concern is that predictable race results like this might become a recurrent theme in Cup Series. This is mainly because the teams have had more time to figure out the nuances of the new cars. Something similar was expressed by a fan.

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“A real cr*pshoot”: NASCAR team owners chime in with their views

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Not only drivers and fans but team owners like Denny Hamlin and Richard Petty are also concerned about the reduction of power during the Cup races. Upset with the current racing conditions, Petty said, “They don’t have any horsepower…The situation is you’ve got 15 to 20 cars running. You come down to the end of the race and you’ve got to be in the right line with the right people. It’s not the decision you make as much as it’s the decision that somebody else makes.”

Furthermore, Petty said that if someone pulls out during the race, they need help because of the lack of horsepower. He continued, “You pull out of line and go forward. Then the next lap 14 cars come back by and you’re still running wide open. It’s a real cr*pshoot. I feel sorry for the drivers that have to drive right now.”

On the other hand, 23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin had recently acknowledged that a higher horsepower might result in higher costs for NASCAR. However, he did admit that he feels that the cars need a higher horsepower to make the cars a little more uncontrollable. Suggesting hybrid technology as a solution, Hamlin also explained how it has helped F1 cars over the years.

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