New package Daytona is a complete unknown for NASCAR Cup teams
When Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 crew chief Adam Stevens sends out driver Christopher Bell for the start of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Saturday at Daytona, he will have no idea what to expect, nor any idea of where his driver should run approaching Turn 1. Everything is a virtual unknown. “This is going to be total chaos and calamity,” Stevens told Motorsport.com after the race at New ... Keep reading
Daytona's new NASCAR Cup package has left drivers in a state of uncertainty, as everything from safe positioning in Turn 1 to handling at full speed remains unknown. NASCAR's decision to reduce the rear spoiler from 7 inches to 4 inches and decrease horsepower from 510 to 465 has eliminated fuel-saving tactics and passability in these cars.
With no practice sessions provided, teams are relying on trial and error to adapt to the new package. While some, like Carson Hocevar, embrace the challenge, others fear the potential for chaos on the track. Denny Hamlin believes the race could be explosive, with opportunities for passing and wrecking. However, he acknowledges the difficulty in missing big crashes and maintaining a competitive position.
Cliff Daniels, crew chief for the Hendrick Motorsports No. 5, expects qualifying speeds to be up, which may help alleviate some of the initial challenges. Still, he emphasizes the need for a practice session to better understand the new package.
Written by urgent.news from Motorsport.com's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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