A change is coming to the remaining short tracks on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, one that will affect how drivers race each other.
Videos by FanBuzz
According to a Rules Bulletin issued on Wednesday evening, the front and rear bumpers will no longer have energy absorbing foam. This rule will apply to upcoming events at Bristol Motor Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway, Richmond Raceway, and Martinsville Speedway.
The Gen 7 cars will also have modified front bumper struts. "Teams are responsible for modification of the four Front Bumper Struts and must follow the NASCAR provided instructions using the 3D printed cutting templates" provided in the updated Rule Book.
Photo credit: NASCAR
NASCAR did not provide the exact reason for this major change. However, the Inside the Race show featuring Steve Letarte and Todd Gordon had some thoughts. They explained that this is likely a driver-requested change after years of taking some hard shots from competitors during short track races.
Removing the bumper foam means that the drivers will have to use a bit more caution when racing for position on short tracks. If they go flying in and just slam into the car directly ahead, this will deform the bumpers. It could also affect the other body panels and duct work on the cars.
"This will take that away," Letarte said about the hart hits. "They have to be more artists, which they are. They're all amazing, so let's put their talent to the test.
"...I want to see Denny Hamlin roll that nice, slow corner at Martinsville. The bumper cars, for me, doesn't add anything."
The updated bumpers are the latest change made by NASCAR in pursuit of improved short track racing. The sanctioning body previously updated the aero and horsepower package for tracks under 1 mile in length, as well as road courses.
The teams have lower downforce and 750 horsepower at these tracks, which alters how they approach short track races. Now, removing the foam will potentially change how they approach each turn on these tracks.
The first test of the updated bumper configuration will be on July 19 at North Wilkesboro Speedway, the fourth event of the $1 million in-season challenge.
