CONCORD, N.C. – NASCAR unveiled its 2019 rules package on Tuesday afternoon and some aspects of it will be utilized in 22 of the 36 points-paying races in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series next season.
There will be two primary packages and their purpose will be tailored to specific race tracks on the tour in an effort to boost competition with enhanced aerodynamic and engine configurations.
A combination of a smaller tapered spacer (.922-inch versus the current 1.17-inch) to reduce engine horsepower to a target of 550 hp and front aero ducts will be utilized on a majority of speedways 1.0-mile in distance or more next season totaling 17 races.
Earlier this year, NASCAR used a similar rules package which totaled 750 horsepower.
Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway, both Pocono (Pa.) Raceway, Darlington (S.C.) Raceway and the season-finale at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway will run with the smaller taper spacer but with no aero ducts present.
The season-opening Daytona 500 next February will be run under the same rules as this year’s event. Both Talladega races and the July race will be run with tapered spacers instead of restrictor-plates for the first time since 1987.
NASCAR said Tuesday they expect speeds to be relatively similar if not a tick slower for the three restrictor-plate events in 2019.
The baseline of each package also features a taller rear spoiler, a larger front splitter with a 2-inch overhang and a wider radiator pan.
Those changes are designed to add downforce to stabilize handling – a detour from recent seasons, which has seen NASCAR shoulder multiple efforts to reduce downforce.
The sanctioning body announced other rules Tuesday to take effect in 2019:
• The previously announced enhanced vehicle chassis (EVC) will be mandatory at all races.
• NASCAR has reduced the number of organizational tests for the calendar year from four to three. Furthermore, Goodyear tire tests next season will be conducted by three teams, not four teams which had been the standard.
• NASCAR will expand the use of sealed engines next season, increasing to three long block seals in addition to keeping the current 13-race short block seal requirement.
NASCAR also said they are still finalizing their rules package for the Xfinity Series and soon-to-be rebranded Gander Outdoors Truck Series – but insisted changes will be minimal at best for 2019.
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
