NASCAR announces 2024 short track and road course package
NASCAR officials announced Wednesday changes to the Cup Series rules packages for races on short tracks and road courses in 2024.
The NASCAR Cup Series cars will have a three-inch rear spoiler, instead of a two-inch spoiler. They will also have a rear diffuser with fewer strakes, producing lower downforce. However, the taller spoiler is expected to compensate for that.
Officials say these changes are designed to promote more competitive racing on those tracks. They say they struck the right balance during a December 5-6 test at Phoenix Raceway.
Goodyear officials are working with NASCAR to produce a more thicker tire compound. They anticipate that will increase falloff and produce better racing.
NASCAR did not make any changes to the gearbox to eliminate shifting. However, engineers are continuing to work on what they can do in that area to improve the racing.
The new package will debut March 10 at Phoenix Raceway. Teams will use it again at Richmond and Martinsville before determining if it will be used elsewhere, including at high-banked short tracks like Dover and Bristol.
Before its debut at Phoenix, NASCAR will host two tests – February 13 in the wind tunnel to ensure aero parity among the manufacturers and February 20 at Phoenix to collect data with wheelforce-equipped vehicles.
The upcoming February 4 Busch Light Clash at the L.A. Coliseum will not use the new package.
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Jonathan Fjeld View All
Jonathan Fjeld is the co-owner of the The Racing Experts, LLC. He has been with TRE since 2010.
A Twin Valley, MN, native, Fjeld became a motorsports fan at just three years old (first race was the 2002 Pennsylvania 500). He worked as a contributor and writer for TRE from 2010-18. Since then, he has stepped up and covered 24 NASCAR race weekends and taken on a larger role with TRE. He became the co-owner and managing editor in 2023 and has guided the site to massive growth in that time.
Fjeld has covered a wide array of stories and moments over the years, including Kevin Harvick's final Cup Series season, the first NASCAR national series disqualification in over 50 years, Shane van Gisbergen's stunning win in Chicago and the first Cup Series race at Road America in 66 years – as well as up-and-coming drivers' stories and stories from inside the sport, like the tech it takes for Hendrick Motorsports to remain a top-tier team.
Currently, he resides in Albuquerque, N.M., where he works for KOB 4, an NBC station. He works as a digital producer and does on-air reports. He loves spending time with friends and family, playing and listening to music, exploring new places, being outdoors, reading books and writing among other activities. You can email him at fjeldjonathan@gmail.com