Denny Hamlin has shared his verdict of NASCAR’s new Daytona package. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver predicted that the racing could become “20% better” when the rules are tested in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 this month.
NASCAR introduced the new superspeedway rules after concerns about cars running in a tight single-file pack and drivers focusing too much on saving fuel. The biggest change is the reduction in the rear spoiler. NASCAR lowered the spoiler size from 7 inches to 4 inches. The smaller spoiler reduces drag and gives drivers more opportunities to make moves while racing in the pack.
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The horsepower will drop from 510 to 465 to compensate for the lower downforce from the smaller spoiler. Last week on his Actions Detrimental podcast, the 45-year-old was asked how much better the racing would be. Hamlin said:
“20% better.”
The current package makes it difficult for a driver to leave a lane and complete a pass without losing momentum. The new package intends to reduce that penalty.
“You have to have more cars than the line you just pulled out of to get going. The goal, I think, is if you can pull out a line and maybe only need three behind you to get going or make that line start moving, then, I think that you’ve got something you can work with,” Hamlin said.
“Listen, it’s an educated guess. It’s not like a complete guess. The numbers I’m seeing, it’s a little bit back towards what we had before, not all the way there, but it’s a step, and it’s something that we could do quickly and right away.”
The new package will make its debut at Daytona International Speedway on August 29. The Coke Zero Sugar 400 is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC.
“We don’t need to be f***ing complaining” – Denny Hamlin refuses to blame Indianapolis Motor Speedway for passing issues
Denny Hamlin, who finished fifth as Corey Heim took the Brickyard 400 win, also opened up about NASCAR Cup Series racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
During the same episode of Actions Detrimental, he shared that the current Next Gen car package is the main reason passing has become harder at the historic oval.
“It’s historic. We don’t need to be f***ing complaining about being on the oval, This is a car problem, not an Indy problem. Yes, passing at Indy has been difficult for decades, but it ain’t been impossible. Now it is impossible.” (8:10 onwards)
Hamlin suggested that NASCAR should look at adjustments for Indianapolis, including changes that reduce the car’s grip and make drivers work harder behind another car. He believes the racing will improve when drivers have more control over their own moves instead of depending on the car’s setup.
Edited by Palak Gupta
