NASCAR has implemented a new rules package for the upcoming Cup Series Yellawood 500 at the Talladega Superspeedway. The 188-lap race at the 2.66-mile superspeedway will be the eighth race of the Cup Series Chase.
Earlier this season, NASCAR introduced a new rules package for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona, the final race of the regular season. Ahead of Talladega later this month, NASCAR is furthering its efforts to create quality drafting-track racing.
NASCAR’s New Rules Package For Talladega Cup Race
NASCAR has made one key adjustment to its drafting track rules package ahead of Talladega. The Yellawood 500 will see Cup Series cars with 3.5-inch rear spoilers, a half-inch shorter than the rear spoiler seen last August at Daytona.
The change, in addition to reduced horsepower, was made in an effort to give drivers more ability to move in the pack-style racing.
Jamie McMurray, retired NASCAR driver and current analyst, said on NASCAR Inside the Race that the new rules package for Daytona was a success and has high expectations for how Talladega will play out.
“It seemed like it was a win at Daytona. All the drivers thought they could build a bigger run at Daytona than they had in the past. I applaud NASCAR for taking a little bit more off, taking that next step. The other thing to consider is that Talladega is about eight feet wider than Daytona, so this gives you a little more options if you can generate a run to be able to make a pass. So my anticipation is fairly high for seeing how this works out,” he said.
In addition to the rules package adjustments, NASCAR is changing the stage lengths for the 188-lap event with a 98-lap first stage, 45-lap second stage and a 45-lap final stage. The stages were previously 60-60-68 laps.
McMurray noted NASCAR has not seen stage points be this much of a factor in the Chase before and anticipates an exciting show as the championship contenders go after stage points.
“You can have an average finish at the end if you’re able to capitalize on those stage points, and the fact that these guys are going to have to all go out and race to the end of all these stages and get as many points as they can, it’s going to be fun to watch.”
“I’m sure that the teams will find a loophole in this somewhere, but as we talked about before, anytime you go with a rules change, it’s always fun to watch who can figure out the next little trick.”
Talladega Will Make For Critical Chase Race
With close-quarters racing and the constant threat of “The Big One,” Talladega has always been a wild card race for the Cup Series field.
This season, the Yellawood 500 falls at a critical point in the Chase. When the dust settles in “Dega,” there will only be two races remaining in the season.
The championship contenders heading into Talladega will look to maximize their races while also hoping to have luck on their side to miss the potential big-time crashes. Depending on how things unfold, Talladega could make or break a driver’s title hopes.
With the addition of the rules package adjustment, Talladega is sure to be unpredictable as always.
NASCAR Makes Massive Rule Change Ahead of Talladega Race