Daytona International Speedway has had a “roval” element on the circuit since 1959, and since then has been running drag racing and sprinting for sports cars. NASCAR has never run the racetrack in an official capacity. Some NASCAR drivers have hooked up with the Daytona 24 sports car teams for the big race, but August 16 will be the first time we’ll see the big stock cars running in the infield and chicane bus stop. There is only one difference between this NASCAR circuit and the Daytona 24 circuit. An extra chicane.
Unlike an IMSA prototype, which can run 24 hours in a race like this without getting too tired, a NASCAR stock car is expected to have trouble completing the 65-lap race next month. NASCAR racers will not only hit higher top speeds (hitting 190 at least twice per lap), the cars are much heavier than lightweight carbon-fiber prototypes. Put so much kinetic energy in a brake rotor, it is bound to melt or explode.
“NASCAR and its original equipment manufacturers conducted several simulations to determine the layout of the tour and the engine / aero package for NASCAR’s inaugural race at the Daytona International Speedway circuit,” said John Probst, senior vice president of racing innovation. “Due to the anticipated high speeds and loads in the braking system, NASCAR will add a chicane off of Oval Corner 4 in Daytona and move to a 750 hp downforce / aero package for the NASCAR Cup race on August 16. We believe this will combine the performance and safety of the vehicle to provide the best possible circuit race for our fans. “
As a result, NASCAR chose, for safety reasons, to place a second chicane off what would traditionally be NASCAR Turn 4. Instead of taking all that speed through the trioval and braking hard on the incredibly tight Turn 1 on the infield, the riders will have to turn left on the platform, brake hard on the chicane and accelerate again. Instead of a large long braking zone, this divides braking into two different braking zones.
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The chicane, in the photo above, shows some rather aggressive curbs placed at the apex. These mountain curbs are expected to cause some fairly serious suspension damage if drivers grab onto them at high speed. Considering the frequency with which these car boys collide with each other, I wouldn’t be surprised to see these big blue blocks used as weapons during the Daytona race, particularly on the final lap as the racers compete for position in the final race. towards the line.
NASCAR is also allowing the Daytona racetrack event, unique for the extremely bizarre 2020 season, to run on a different set of engines and aerodynamic standards than more traditional races. This is the only race this year that will combine the 750 horsepower short track engine package as well as the high downforce downforce package. This should be an extremely interesting event.
In fact, I would consider it a must see TV.
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