NASCAR announces tweak to 2019 rules package for select tracks

NASCAR tweaks cars for 3 tracks

NASCAR has updated its 2019 rules package to allow for the implementation of aero ducts at three racetracks.

Previously, the races at Pocono, Darlington and the season-finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway were going to feature the rules package featuring 550 horsepower engines without the aero ducts. When rolling out the rules package last season, officials stated they expected those tracks, along with Atlanta Motor Speedway, to feature heavy enough braking that teams would continue to run brake ducts to cool the brakes.

However, early season evaluations have led to the change for Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series teams.

“When we originally looked at which elements of the package to race at each track, we wanted to err on the side of caution at a few tracks where there may be some brake cooling concerns," said John Propst, NASCAR senior vice president, innovation and racing development.

“After reviewing data from Atlanta, and with what we’ve learned over the first 11 races, we believe we can use the ducts without issue. In conversations with the teams, they emphasized the desire to focus on one race package, which will continue to improve the racing."

The 550 horsepower package is being used at all oval tracks larger than one mile.

The Cup Series will compete at Pocono on June 2 and July 28, at Darlington on Sept. 1, and Miami on Nov. 17.