The two Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series practice sessions were both dramatic and unpredictable on Friday at Talladega Superspeedway as the sanctioning body made several changes over the course of the day to lower speeds and ensure engine reliability.
For the first time since 1988, a race at Talladega will not feature restrictor plates to reduce horsepower. NASCAR is instead using a similar device, the tapered spacer, to limit horsepower to 550 — which is up from 410 from recent seasons.
As a result of the extra horsepower, NASCAR implemented a larger nine-inch spoiler for the first session but was not comfortable with the speeds.
Eight drivers topped 202 mph in that first session, led by Kurt Busch with a fast lap that reached 202.67 mph. A total of 21 drivers reached 200 mph.
Thus, NASCAR ordered changed to further slow the cars down. The sanctioning body ordered a 1” wicker extension to be installed to the spoiler. It is also allowing for teams to select one of two gear options — .345 and .350.
Whichever gear they qualify with is the one they will have to race with.
The reason was provided in the form of an explanation from a NASCAR spokesman.
“Our competition leaders consulted with the teams following opening practice, and there were some concerns with engines and we also saw speeds creeping up. After analyzing the data, we landed on these changes for final practice.”
However, the changes did not reduce speed and actually increased them.
Led by Ryan Newman with a 204.157 fast lap, six teams exceeded laps of over 204 mph. The top-nine teams exceeded 202 mph and the top-24 teams all exceeded 200 mph.
It remains unclear if NASCAR will order additional changes prior to qualifying on Saturday afternoon, which is scheduled to take place following the Xfinity Series race.
Source: Read Full Article