NASCAR has been trying to stay on top of things when it comes to keeping its race cars from flipping, especially after the Chevy Camaro ZL1 of Corey Lajoie flipped at Michigan. The sanctioning body issued aerodynamic changes in the immediate aftermath to keep the cars on the ground before the summer Daytona race, although Josh Berry’s No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse still went for an upside-down ride at the superspeedway. The sanctioning body has announced additional aerodynamic updates aimed at preventing blow-overs during this weekend’s race at Talladega.
A report from NASCAR.com outlines the mandates. This includes an extended-height roof rail, an extended rocker panel skirt, and fabric beneath the right (passenger) side roof flap. Specifically, the right side roof rail will be a two-inch fin composed of polycarbonate. This will allow air to deflect off its flat surface if the vehicle goes sideways. Two bevels will allow air to pass through and activate the roof flaps on the top of the race car, which will subsequently open to help keep the vehicle on the ground.
The right-side roof flap will have a piece of fabric modified to fit the inboard edge of the flap, which will function like a parachute if it is deployed. The fabric will be triangle-shaped, and the straight-edge side will be affixed to the roof flap itself, while the cut edge with a 7/8-inch divot will be fastened to the vehicle’s greenhouse. The fabric will be bolted down to make sure it stays attached in the event of a crash.
Additionally, the rocker box beneath the center of the race car will get an aluminum extension, which helps to minimize space between the vehicle’s floor and the ground. The extension will be painted black and will sit on the bottom of the rocker box.
The race at Talladega is scheduled for 2 p.m. EST on Sunday, October 6th, 2024.
Comments
If the Idots at NASCAR would leave the design of the cars to the manufacturers we probably would have less cars flying around the race track and more cars rolling around the race track.
I mean take a bone stock sedan and throw it around daytona at 210+. it goes sideways it will probably roll too, lol. Not sure what point you’re trying to make
Categorically incorrect