NASCAR Announces Base 2016 Rules Package
Rules Developed from Continuous Collaboration with the Industry
NASCAR has announced their base NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rules package for the 2016 season. The package was given to teams after an extensive collaborative process between NASCAR and industry stakeholders.
The base package includes a 3.5-inch spoiler, a 0.25-inch front leading splitter edge and a 33-inch wide radiator pan. These components will give lower downforce on the cars, and Goodyear is developing tires to complement them. Earlier this season, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races at Kentucky Speedway and Darlington Raceway featured a similar aero 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 Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. “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.”
Characteristics of the lower downforce rules package includes more off-throttle time for drivers and decreasing corner speeds. This generates more passing zones over the entire track, and allows for multiple tire combinations.
In addition to the base package, each track will continue to feature specific rules, including tire combinations and drive train configurations, to create the best racing for each track length, layout and surface. Making rear gear ratios adjustments will keep up the most engine speed of 9,000 RPM, using a 1.38 third gear ratio at all tracks smaller than 1.25 miles. The digital dashboard, which was optional for teams during the second half of this season, will become mandatory in all vehicles.
“Our team at the NASCAR R&D Center is constantly looking at the racing, and evaluating ways to continue to improve it,” O’Donnell said. “Using science and technology and qualitative data compiled from world-class engineers throughout the industry as our guideposts, we will always look to make the racing better for our fans.”
Several safety updates include a double NACA duct on the right-hand side window, a fire suppression system activation cable routed to the dash or right-hand side leg board and a seat belt restraint system that meets SFI 16.6 specification.
Click here for a document outlining the base 2016 rules package.