NASCAR has introduced some last-minute changes ahead of the upcoming Playoffs race at Talladega Superspeedway.

Announced just days before the YellaWood 500, these aerodynamic changes aim to enhance vehicle stability and safety in the hopes of preventing cars from becoming airborne during crashes.

Key among these changes is the introduction of an extended-height roof rail featuring a 2-inch polycarbonate fin. This addition is designed to deflect air effectively when a car skids sideways, coupled with two bevels to optimize the activation of roof flaps.

Another notable change includes the extended rocker panel skirt, an aluminum extension placed beneath the vehicle’s rocker box. This alteration eliminates the gap between the car’s floor and the ground, which is essential in minimizing aerodynamic lift.

Christopher Bell, driver of the #20 Mobil 1 Toyota, Alex Bowman, driver of the #48 Ally Chevrolet, Ty Gibbs, driver of the #54 Monster Energy Toyota, Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Ultimate Fan…


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The third technical modification features fabric placed under the right-side roof flap, meticulously crafted in a triangular shape with a 7/8-inch divot on the cut edge. The design allows the fabric to act like a parachute.

These updates stem from an effort by NASCAR’s R&D Center to mitigate the risks associated with high-speed racing, particularly the threat of cars becoming airborne during crashes.

The YellaWood 500 is set to commence at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday. Fans eagerly await the unfolding of events at Talladega, an iconic 2.66-mile superspeedway known for its unpredictable races.

The last round at Kansas Speedway kicked off the Cup Series Playoffs Round of 12.

NASCAR Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 At Kansas Speedway Results

  1. Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
  2. William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
  3. Martin Truex Jr., No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
  4. Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Penske Racing Ford
  5. Ty Gibbs, No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
  6. Alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
  7. Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
  8. Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
  9. Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
  10. Zane Smith, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
  11. Chris Buescher, No. 17 RFK Racing Ford
  12. Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
  13. Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
  14. Joey Logano, No. 22 Penske Racing Ford
  15. Corey LaJoie, No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Ford
  16. Ryan Preece, No. 41 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford
  17. Bubba Wallace, No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota
  18. Noah Gragson, No. 10 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford
  19. Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet
  20. Daniel Hemric, No. 31 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
  21. Ty Dillon, No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
  22. Brad Keselowski, No. 6 RFK Racing Ford
  23. Harrison Burton, No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford
  24. Chase Briscoe, No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford
  25. Tyler Reddick, No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota
  26. Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
  27. Todd Gilliland, No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford
  28. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 JTG-Daughtery Racing Chevrolet
  29. Michael McDowell, No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford
  30. John Hunter Nemechek, No. 42 Legacy Motor Club Toyota
  31. Kaz Grala, No. 15 Rick Ware Racing Ford
  32. Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
  33. Justin Haley, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
  34. Austin Cindric, No. 2 Penske Racing Ford
  35. Erik Jones, Legacy Motor Club Toyota
  36. Jimmie Johnson, No. 84 Legacy Motor Club Toyota
  37. JJ Yeley, No. 44 NY Racing Team Chevrolet
  38. Josh Berry, No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford