CHARLOTTE – After long awaited anticipation, NASCAR has officially announced their next-generation stock car that will be fully integrated prior to the start of the 2020 season in Daytona. This move will phase out the widely-criticized Gen 6 model with what NASCAR officials believe to be the answer to every concern.
Downforce
One of the main controversies regarding the Gen 6 car was the issue with downforce. Many race fans have voiced concern with the extent NASCAR has taken over the years to increase downforce but NASCAR is confident that actually further increasing the downforce is what fans really want.
The 2019 rules package included the addition of a taller 8-inch by 16-inch rear spoiler. For the new Gen 7 model in 2020 however, NASCAR has decided to increase the spoiler height to 12 inches as well as add end plates. This move is an attempt to replicate the Formula 1 rear wing.
Another addition that derives from F1 is the decision by NASCAR to add a modified front wing with end plates that will extend off the car’s aero ducts. NASCAR officials have commented that although this might make the cars look like something from the movie The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, they feel it will inevitably improve downforce as well as appeal to more F1 fans, which is seen as a win-win scenario.
“We hear the concerns from NASCAR fans and we appreciate their comments,” said NASCAR spokesman Henry David Green. “We are confident however that as an organization, NASCAR knows what NASCAR fans want more than they do and sometimes we just have to show them exactly what that is.”
Gen 7 Engine
With the recent reduction of horsepower and the increased interest by manufactures into hybrid engines, NASCAR fans have been more nervous than ever regarding the future of stock car racing. Fortunately, NASCAR fans do not need to worry about hybrid engines in 2020. This is because NASCAR has decided to equip the Gen 7 model with an entirely electric engine.
Although NASCAR has been notorious for the horsepower with V8 engines in the past, officials are confident that Formula E is the future of auto racing and they want to follow suit. This also means that the moment of silence will have to be extended to include the infamous “start your engines” ceremony so all of the fans are able to hear it.
“We at NASCAR, felt hybrid engines just didn’t take a step far enough,” said Green. “Electric engines are a greener solution to the prehistoric gas-guzzling engines we have previously used. Not to mention, no one has to worry about the obnoxious sound of those loud V8’s anymore. Now, race fans can enjoy a nice conversation at the track. Which is what this is all about – the fans. We are proud to continue to provide our fans with the purest form of stock car racing.”
Safety
With the entirely electric engines, NASCAR is confident the new cars will be much safer but didn’t want to just stop there. The organization wanted to leave no doubt in the minds of race fans that danger is almost entirely eliminated in the Gen 7 car.
The new cars will now be mandated at only 2 inches off the ground, further increasing the downforce. A new rule will also be implemented that will automatically disqualify anyone that intentionally makes contact with another driver. NASCAR officials have stated that the only thing cooler in racing than electric engines, is safety.
NASCAR claims they are aware these changes might not be what their fans wanted to hear but that there are many motorsport fans around the world that will be pleased. Not to mention angryTwitter users that might one day be interested in the sport. They are also confident that their fans will learn to at least tolerate the changes because NASCAR is the authority of stock car racing.
“Sure, our fans will be upset,” said Green, “but if they’ve stuck around this long, where else are they going to go now? Besides, our international investors are thrilled.”
UPDATE – NASCAR has announced ESPN is now interested in reestablishing their previously defunct TV contract due to these changes.
