NASCAR Set to Reduce Downforce by 30% at Short Tracks and Road Courses in Cup Series

Photo Credit: Sean Gardner / Getty Images

Based on feedback from drivers that participated in a January test at Phoenix Raceway, NASCAR is set to cut downforce by 30% on the Next Gen car at short tracks and road courses during the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season.

On Tuesday, NASCAR announced that it will reduce the spoiler used at road courses and most tracks under 1.058 miles in length from four inches down to two inches. The sanctioning body will also remove three diffuser strakes and engine panel strakes.

The tracks that will feature the new rules package are Charlotte Roval, Chicago Street Course, COTA, Indy Road Course, Martinsville, New Hampshire, North Wilkesboro, Phoenix, Richmond, Sonoma, and Watkins Glen.

READ MORE

Danny Olszowy, Kellen Mills Handed Two-Race Suspensions for Loss of Wheel on No. 19 at Auto Club

Photo Credit: Ben Earp / LAT Images / Courtesy of Toyota Racing

As expected, NASCAR has issued two-race suspensions for two pit crew members for the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing team in the NASCAR Cup Series. Tire changer Danny Olszowy and jack man Kellen Mills will both sit out the next two races after a wheel from the No. 19 car separated from the car following a pit stop at Auto Club Speedway.

Michael Louria, who had been the tire changer for the No. 42 LEGACY MOTOR CLUB team, will replace Olszowy and David O’Dell, who had served as the jack man for the No. 67 23XI Racing entry at Daytona, will replace Mills.

READ MORE

Corey LaJoie Starting to Impress with Strong Start to 2023 Season

Photo Credit: Getty Images courtesy of Spire Motorsports

It has been quite the start for Corey LaJoie and the No. 7 Spire Motorsports team in 2023. LaJoie followed up a 16th-place finish in the season-opening Daytona 500 with a 14th-place effort at Auto Club Speedway. Now, LaJoie prepares to head to a selection of tracks that he performed well at last season.

LaJoie sits 10 positions higher in the championship standings in 2023 than he was in 2022 after two races. Even with the good finish, LaJoie feels there is more room for improvement with his race team.

“As solid as the first two races have been for us, I still feel like we have several areas to continue to improve on,” LaJoie tells TobyChristie.com.

READ MORE

OTHER HEADLINES

• Andretti, Hunter-Reay, Tracy Return for Full SRX Season; Newgarden, Kanaan Return Part-Time

• Max McLaughlin to Contest Xfinity Debut at Watkins Glen with FRS Racing

• Ryan Roulette Becomes Team Owner, Announces ARCA West Series Schedule

• Alsco Uniforms Returns as Jeb Burton Sponsor in 2023 for Five Races

• South Point Hotel & Casino Supporting Daniel Hemric, Kaulig Racing at Las Vegas