This season, the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series continues last year’s efforts of lessening aerodynamic forces from the cars. These efforts make the car harder to drive, which emphasizes the driver’s ability to get the most out of the car. Below are the changes under the 2017 rules package, which decreased downforce from 2,100 pounds last year to 1,600 pounds:
Spoiler height decrease from 3.5 inches to 2.375 inches
Outboard regions of the splitter are reduced by 3 inches
Deck fin is tapered to match spoiler height
Drivers must start the race on the tires used in qualifying
Last week, NASCAR introduced an enhanced format for the stage lengths of each race, stating that the variables in play at each track necessitated the adjustment.
“Every track is unique for its characteristics in length, surface and overall racing conditions,” said Scott Miller, NASCAR senior vice president of competition. “We worked closely with race teams on expected fuel and tire runs over the entirety of an event when considering stage lengths. And in the end, stage lengths were decided based upon what would provide the best race for fans.”
NASCAR debuted the new stage format at Daytona to mostly positive reviews, but time will tell if the enhancements are going to bring in more race fans. As drivers and teams adjust to the this new style of racing, there will be new strategies that emerge. And maybe we’ll see a new crop of young drivers in Victory Lane.
What did you guys think of NASCAR’s new Stages?
— MonsterCupNews (@monstercupnews) February 26, 2017
Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series
Track:
Stage 1
Stage 2
Final Stage
(ends on lap)
(ends on lap)
(ends on lap)
Daytona International Speedway
60
120
200
Atlanta Motor Speedway
85
170
325
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
80
160
267
Phoenix International Raceway
75
150
312
Auto Club Speedway
60
120
200
Martinsville Speedway
130
260
500
Texas Motor Speedway
85
170
334
Bristol Motor Speedway
125
250
500
Richmond International Raceway
100
200
400
Talladega Superspeedway
55
110
188
Kansas Speedway
80
160
267
Charlotte Motor Speedway
115
230
400
Dover International Speedway
120
240
400
Pocono Raceway
50
100
160
Michigan International Raceway
60
120
200
Sonoma Raceway
25
50
110
Daytona International Speedway
40
80
160
Kentucky Speedway
80
160
267
New Hampshire Motor Speedway
75
150
301
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
50
100
160
Pocono Raceway
50
100
160
Watkins Glen International
20
40
90
Michigan International Raceway
60
120
200
Bristol Motor Speedway
125
250
500
Darlington Raceway
100
200
367
Richmond International Raceway
100
200
400
Chicagoland Speedway
80
160
267
New Hampshire Motor Speedway
75
150
300
Dover International Speedway
120
240
400
Charlotte Motor Speedway
90
180
334
Talladega Superspeedway
55
110
188
Kansas Speedway
80
160
267
Martinsville Speedway
130
260
500
Texas Motor Speedway
85
170
334
Phoenix International Raceway
75
150
312
Homestead-Miami Speedway
80
160
267