[h=2]NASCAR: Michigan is last chance to test 2017 rules[/h] Friday, 26 August 2016



Matt Weaver / Images by LAT
For the second time this season, NASCAR Sprint Cup teams unloaded at Michigan International Speedway and were greeted by the proposed 2017 rules package.


The sanctioning body first ordered a reduction of downforce last season after a decade spent increasing it and reducing overall horsepower. These regulations have built upon the success of the 2016 campaign and have reduced the rear spoiler from 3.5 inches high to 2.5 inches.


The width of the spoiler has also been reduced in width from 61 inches to 53 with the inclusion of a deck lid fin. NASCAR has also decreased the length of the underside of the front splitter by about three inches and eliminated rear skew – the angle of the rear-end housing that aids rotation in the center of a corner while generating side force.
League officials had actually considered returning to Michigan with the standard 2016 package but ultimately chose to use the same rules used back in June.
For this weekend, the changes mean drivers will enter the corners with increased speed from last season (nearly 220mph) while also having to lift off the throttle to make it through to the other side. This makes the cars unstable – and that's good for the long-term improvement of the racing product, according to Brad Keselowski.
"The cars are very loose," Keselowski said. "They are very difficult to drive and they should be. That causes a lot of wiggles and bobbles, all those things on the racetrack that tend to lead to a lot of excitement. Hopefully, more than anything, it gets the cars to where we can run closer and tighter as a pack and have even more passing."
But not only are drivers lifting in the corners this weekend, they're having to use the brakes more than they have in years, according to Austin Dillon.
"With this package, you carry a lot more into the corner and have to back it up with the brake pedals," Dillon explained. "The bigger brake packages you see out there, that's going to be a part of the race and keeping your brakes good.
"At Michigan, you can roll the corner and lift early, so that's not a big deal, but the shorter tracks could make it become a huge deal."
It's important for NASCAR and the teams to test this package one more time because it won't be used during the Chase for the Championship – the most important stretch of the season. Additionally, Goodyear would like one more race day environment to help the tire maker prepare for 2017 as well.