Utterly Disappointed Tyler Reddick Drops Worrying 2-Word Verdict on NASCAR’s New Short Track Package for Phoenix

Tyler Reddick had some strong words about the new short-track package after the Phoenix practice. The Cup Series got a good 50 minutes to feel it out today. But according to Reddick, this new setup isn’t hitting the mark. That’s not exactly what NASCAR wants to hear. Looks like the cars are still having a tough time in the wake of others.

This weekend, Phoenix Raceway was supposed to show off this fresh aerodynamic setup, which includes a less complex rear diffuser and a spoiler that’s an inch taller, aiming to ramp up the excitement on tracks that are 1.1 miles or lesser. Yet, for Tyler Reddick, Chase Elliott, Ty Gibbs, Denny Hamlin, and Martin Truex Jr, among others, this new short-track package didn’t feel much different from the old setups during their practice rounds for Sunday’s Shriners Children’s 500.

Short track package and Goodyear tires fail to impress the drivers

The tweaks to the diffuser and the new Goodyear tires were supposed to be game changers, making it easier for drivers to chase down and pass the leader on tracks where clean air usually rules. NASCAR’s been wrestling with this issue ever since the seventh-gen Cup cars hit the scene. These cars pack less punch under the hood, grip the track as their lives depend on it, stop on a dime, and kick up a storm of air that makes following close behind a real headache.

Everyone had their fingers crossed that the streamlined diffuser would clear the air a bit, but from what the drivers were saying, that just didn’t pan out. Tyler Reddick even mentioned his ride felt way worse in the mix this year than last.

Talking of a spin and near wreck, Reddick asserted, “Well, glad we practiced coming pit road because that was not good. Yeah, car-wise. I’ve hit the wall a few times. I don’t know how he went through on the board, but… We’ve got some work to do I think, but. Yeah, not exactly the day we wanted for a mobile one toy to Camry. We don’t have a lot of turnaround time for tech and… and pretty interesting to say the least, you know.”

He continued, “I think this back is supposed to help traffic, but it feels exponentially worse. So very interesting trying to fill out your car, fill out what’s happening there out in traffic as well. So we sure got a lot to talk about and figure out in a short period of time.”

What the racers are itching for, especially on these tracks, is the chance to tail a car and then swoop in for the pass. But what’s been happening instead for the last couple of years is this thing called “aero push.” Basically, the moment you start gaining on the car in front, your ride starts acting stubborn, not wanting to turn left as smoothly. That’s all because the turbulent air from the car ahead messes with the clean air your car needs up front to keep things steady. Until they figure out how to cut through that mess, the racing’s just not going to be what it could be.

Furthermore, while Reddick didn’t seem too keen on rehashing the Vegas race, he did give a nod to snagging some stage points.

Unhappy with the Las Vegas race, Tyler Reddick finds solace in stage points

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Tyler Reddick wasn’t thrilled with how things turned out in Vegas, trailing Kyle Larson by a hair’s breadth at the finish line and nabbing second place in the season’s third NASCAR showdown. He just couldn’t reel Larson in during those final laps of the Pennzoil 400, hinting that the pit crew’s performance might’ve played a part in his just-missed victory. Right after the race, it was clear he was miffed about some pit stop snafus, though he didn’t miss the chance to tip his hat to Larson’s slick defense.

Asked about the race’s length and whether a few more laps could’ve flipped the script, Reddick took a moment to reflect, “It was nice to have a good a solid-ish day, I guess, right? It wasn’t a clean day, but it was nice build to have speed and at least get some stage points out of it and everything else like that.”

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Now, with the upcoming race and that short track package, he’s not a fan of, it’ll be something to watch if Reddick can turn his annoyance into fuel for a win.