If there is such a thing as a consensus in NASCAR, the low-downforce aerodynamics package debuted at Kentucky earlier this season may be as close as the sport gets to it. The package, preferred by many of the Sprint Cup Series’ top drivers, was paired with a tire package to match for Sunday night’s Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway and again received rave reviews. Even in a grueling race that lasted nearly 4ý hours, as the race wound to its conclusion the win was still up for grabs with three drivers – Carl Edwards, Brad Keselowski and Kevin Harvick – still in the hunt for the victory. Sunday’s race is the last this season in which the package will be used, a fact reiterated by NASCAR’s executive vice president and chief racing development officer, Steve O’Donnell, after the race. NASCAR’s initial reaction after the race was very positive and O’Donnell said he expected a decision in a few weeks on whether the package will be used and how often in the 2016 season. “We’ll spend the proper time with the industry – the race teams, the drivers – and have a decision toward the end of the month,” he said. “We’re really pleased with how the race track came together with the “Throwback” idea and I think what you saw was it culminated with a terrific race on the track as well.”(Motorsport)(9-7-2015)
