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