About 5 weeks from the Clash at the Coliseum (2/6), which I think is a bad idea with a temporary track, new car, and across the country from Daytona.

Some NASCAR news to tide you over.

https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/sports/motorsports/2021/12/28/nascars-next-gen-testing-finds-issues-should-expected-q-a-martin-truex-kyle-busch-mars-inc-m-ms/9018620002/

Quote:

---

Uh-oh, Next Gen issues?

When you roll out a new generation of race car and begin group-testing at a variety of tracks, you know you'll find issues that simply can't be unearthed in the lab.

Tweaks, changes and maybe even full-blown do-overs are expected, though not desired. But when you throw in issues with the supply chain as well as a new wave of positive pandemic tests, there must be days when NASCAR's R&D folks feel like Sisyphus pushing the Next Gen rock.

NASCAR and the teams are pushing hard to have all kinks ironed out before the Next Gen's debut at the Feb. 6 Busch Light Clash.

This quote from Martin Truex Jr., to Fox Sports, wasn't quite enough to set off panic, but it didn't relax anyone: "The car is not where it needs to be, and people are scrambling," Truex said. "We've got to make some changes. We need to make it better so we can race with it, put on a show for the fans."

Mark this down: Whatever the final product, they'll never find a mechanical combo that pleases all constituencies fans, drivers, owners, engineers, NASCAR, networks, etc.

---

https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2021/12/21/cup-series-2022-next-gen-rules-configuration/

Quote:

---

NASCAR officials set the rules configuration for a majority of tracks on the 2022 Cup Series schedule Tuesday, announcing that the Next Gen car will use a 4-inch rear spoiler for downforce and will use engines with 670 target horsepower as a baseline.

The determination came after a meeting with competition officials, drivers and representatives for teams and manufacturers at the end of two days of testing last week at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Those sessions marked the final tests scheduled this year for the Next Gen car that will make its debut in the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series. The rules package for superspeedway events will be determined later.

Competition officials worked with teams to try four engine/aerodynamics configurations last week on Charlotte's 1.5-mile oval layout. Officials said the fourth and final package a higher 670-horsepower figure and a centered 4-inch rear spoiler for reduced rear downforce received majority support from those attending Friday's post-test meeting.

---

I haven't been this excited about NASCAR in a couple of decades. I love the potential of the new car. Once the wrinkles get ironed out.

I agree. Really enjoy that it's going to be one car for all types of tracks and the return to at least a somewhat stock looking vehicle in terms of shape and size.

A little upset about the single lug wheel for NASCAR but it's a minor complaint.

Not a fan of the single lug wheel myself - takes away another source of error that can add too the excitement of a race.

I think pit lane is gonna be a mess the first couple races while crews and drivers get used to the new setup/traffic. But definitely seems like wheel and jack guys will have way less pressure during pit stops since refueling will determine the length of the stop

I'm ok with the single lug. That source of error is a safety issue as no one needs a tire flying off because it wasnt properly secured by the 5 lugs because the crew in rushing to get it on asap. I didn't like fining the crews that missed lugs because its not like they are trying to skip them. Lets just remove the risk and ensure tires get put on right. F1 has had single lugs for years and no refueling and their pit strategies are still some of the most exciting parts about the race because the tv crews properly sets up what it means long term when a certain car pits.

cajunaggie08 said:

---

I didn't like fining the crews that missed lugs because its not like they are trying to skip them.

---

I definitely think they were purposely skipping them. Seems insignificant as it saves maybe a couple tenths but there's videos of crews only hitting 4 lugs.

Personally not a fan just because I'll miss the sounds of pit road, but it is what it is.

Was initially not excited for the new car, but with the news that NASCAR listened to the drivers and decided to go with the high HP low downforce package, my anticipation is building. I yearn for the days of comers and goers, tire wear, and spread out fields.

Curious what everybody's thoughts are on the new paint schemes with the numbers moved forward. I've seen some good and some bad. Few of those that have been released:

I like the new liveries a lot. The 48 looks really nice.

19 looks awesome.

I just noticed the red roll cage in Kurt Busch's car. Nice touch.

Did 48 switch to a front wheel drive car or are they cheating with an all wheel drive system? [/graphicartistlovetiresmoke]

Aric Almirola retiring at end of season.

always liked Almirola. Good for him that he gets to get out at a young age. Wouldn't be surprised to see him get a job on one of the networks.

Practice at Daytona. Looks like Ford/Penske/Wood Brothers have the most speed right now.

https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2022/01/11/unofficial-speeds-from-next-gen-organizational-test-at-daytona/

Live stream of today's test:

Wood Brothers with speed at Daytona? nahhh

Everyone else is straight, Jones is just pointed at the wall 😄 pic.twitter.com/jzSQ5Wq2h2

— nascarman (@nascarman_rr) January 12, 2022

Looks like an old dog trotting down the road.

Scary ride for @chaseelliott. Great to see him walk away! 🙌@cbnationals | #ChiliBowl2022 pic.twitter.com/aNVRp5Eka7

— FloRacing (@FloRacing) January 15, 2022

Anyone going to Daytona? I'll be there

I just may have to.

Should have some outlaws and modifieds racing at the Clash track

Pardon my ignorance for a casual NASCAR fan, but have they ever raced a track that short? I know they're trying new things to get more interest....

Will they use the same cars?

It is the shortest track I remember the cup cars racing on. On the regular schedule Martinsville is the shortest at 0.52 miles. This one off track is around 1/4 mile, which is usually only seen at dirt tracks or entry level nascar series. The reduced turning radius of the next-gen cars could make things interesting as they try to get turned around following a spinout.

4 heat races of 10 cars each. Top 4 in each heat makes finale.

LCQ race of remaining cars determine 17-22
Last spot is highest points driver from last year who didn't make it in the heat or LCQ

23 total cars Sunday night. That's going to be wild. demolition derby

Didn't know this album existed



They found 8track versions while searching thru DW's old car hauler

I know one thing, the new car sounds amazing

htxag09 said:

---

Pardon my ignorance for a casual NASCAR fan, but have they ever raced a track that short? I know they're trying new things to get more interest....

Will they use the same cars?

---

. If Wikipedia is correct, looks like the cup series raced at several 1/4 mile paved tracks, mainly during the late '50s to late '60s. In fact, a .200 mile track in Islip, NY was used from 1964-1968 and a final time in 1971.

Get to watch cars go fast and turn left today

Incredible. Simply incredible.

Take a look at this awesome scene inside the historic @lacoliseum! #BuschLightClash pic.twitter.com/7eSCfqWesR

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 5, 2022

Pretty cool first look during practice. New cars look great.

Heat races start in about 30 minutes.

I'm enjoying this way more than I was expecting to

This last heat is great.

Funny, I've been thinking this is the worst race I've ever seen and I typically love the short tracks. This is ridiculous though

I thought the 1st 3 heats were boring, 4th was better and the 1st LCQ is picking up.