NASCAR will take a reduced downforce package to Kentucky Speedway this week, and it appears many in the industry have high hopes. They have high hopes for the potential of the package. They’re just not sure that they’ll see the results at Kentucky. Finding the right rules to encourage side-by-side racing and lead changes “ in other words, reducing the dreaded “aero push” “ has resulted in NASCAR taking the unconventional step of experimenting with a different aerodynamic package this week at the 1.5-mile Kentucky oval. Drivers are unsure what to expect this weekend. They’ll start to find out Wednesday as the testing at Kentucky begins. Three days after the test, NASCAR will have its first real test “ a race that counts just as any of the others on the calendar. The teams will have four hours of practice Wednesday afternoon and evening. Teams can use either their primary or backup cars for the race weekend “ which begins Friday “ during the test and they can have data acquisition systems on the car. They will be allowed to change engines prior to practice Friday morning. Teams have been told to have all the regular 2014 rules package components with them for the race weekend in case NASCAR opts to revert to the package used previously. But after all the hype about the reduced downforce package, the test would have to go horribly wrong Wednesday. Teams will use a 3.5-inch spoiler instead of a 6-inch spoiler. The splitter will have 1.75 inches less overhang. The radiator pan has been reduced from 38 inches to 25 inches. The entire package could reduce downforce by 25 percent in the cars, which currently produce approximately 3,200 pounds of downforce.(ESPN.com) The test sessions are scheduled for 3:00-5:00pm/et and 6:00-8:00pm/et. Any reported speeds will be posted. Fans can watch for free by entering the track at gate 15.(7-8-2015)
