1. An improved short track package
I think we all want this. NASCAR recently held a test at Phoenix in yet another attempt to find ways to produce better racing at oval tracks of one-mile in length or shorter. While the Next Gen car was an obvious success in improving the racing at intermediate tracks, the show at both short tracks and road courses has suffered. Unfortunately, it appears the recent aerodynamic changes just aren’t enough to make real tangible change in the on-track product.
Is the answer simply more horsepower? Many believe so, but Tyler Reddick recently said that it would take up to 1,000HP or more to make any difference at all. Additionally, NASCAR has made it very clear that they aren’t interested in increasing the horsepower. Earlier this year, Denny Hamlin suggested that improvements could be seen with a different tire approach from Goodyear, aiming for more fall-off during the run. Whatever the answer may be, I really hope they find it soon, because better racing at short tracks and road courses tops my wish list for NASCAR 2024.
Photo by: Matthew T. Thacker / NKP / Motorsport Images
Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports, NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet Camaro
2. Denny Hamlin continues to embrace the role of NASCAR’s villain
Speaking of Hamlin…he had quite the year in 2023. His podcast, Actions Detrimental, is a must-listen every week. The veteran driver escalated and then seemingly ended his year-long feud with Ross Chastain, then got into skirmishes with his friend Kyle Larson as they battled for the win at both Kansas and later Pocono. After being showered with boos practically every race weekend, he began to bask in it. His post-race interview after winning the Bristol Night Race was a highlight of the season, saying to fans: “Hey, I beat your favorite driver.” When asked which one, he promptly replied: “All of them.”
With so few drivers comfortable with taking on the black hat, here’s hoping that Hamlin continues to embrace the role in 2024.
3. Another international racing star gives stock cars a try
We were spoiled this past year when it came to international talent turning their eyes to NASCAR. Two F1 World Champions [Jenson Button and Kimi Raikkonen], two overall winners of the Le Mans 24 [Kamui Kobayashi and Mike Rockenfeller], two Supercars champions [Shane van Gisbergen and Brodie Kostecki], and even Travis Pastrana all ran at least one Cup race during the 2023…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Motorsport.com – NASCAR – Stories…