On Tuesday afternoon, NASCAR Executive Vice President Steve O’Donnell announced the rules package for the Sprint Cup Series in 2016.
The base package will include a 3.5-inch spoiler, a 0.25-inch front leading splitter edge, and a 33-inch wide radiator pan. These will create less downforce on the cars, and Goodyear will develop tires to compliment the new rules package.
"NASCAR has worked tirelessly with our teams, drivers, manufacturers and Goodyear to develop a rules package that provides fans with the best racing possible," said O'Donnell. "The success of the races at Kentucky and Darlington in similar trim proved extremely valuable in accelerating rules development for 2016. Now, as teams have even more time to prepare and a strong baseline of data, we anticipate the racing to be even better."
A package similar to this one was used at the Darlington race earlier this season, and was widely welcomed by both drivers and fans as being faster and creating more action on the track.
The base package will be implemented at all tracks besides Talladega and Daytona.
Additionally, rear gear ratios will be adjusted to limit the engine speed to 9,000 RPM and a 1.38 third gear ratio will be the story at tracks shorter than 1.25 miles in 2016. The new digital dashboard, currently optional for the teams as it has been since the halfway mark of this season, will be mandatory in all cars next year.
Several safety updates are also ahead, including a fire suppression system that the driver can manually activate with their leg, and an updated seat belt restraint system. Also added is a new system to cool the drivers at tracks that use the side window.
"The core goal for us continues to remain the same, and that's to deliver the best and safest racing possible for the fans," O'Donnell stated.
The Sprint Cup Series is headed to Kansas Speedway for this weekend's Hollywood Casino 400. Follow @NASCARonVAVEL on Twitter for coverage throughout the weekend as the 2015 Chase for the Sprint Cup continues.