NASCAR adopts rules changes for 2015 Sprint Cup season

The Chase for the 2014 Sprint Cup championship is just in its third week, but NASCAR already has announced the new rules packages for the 2015 season.

In an effort to help teams with costs and create better racing, NASCAR made nearly 60 changes in the packages, including adjustments to the power train, aerodynamics and chassis that are designed to give drivers more flexibility and opportunities for to pass on the track.

NASCAR will institute a shorter rear spoiler in its 2015 Sprint Cup Series package, which also includes a reduction of engine horsepower except for the restrictor-plate tracks at Daytona and Talladega. Lower rear differential gear ratios and an optional driver-adjustable track bar will give drivers more ability to pass in the turns.

“A lot of the fans are really excited about the racing they are seeing right now, but I do believe that this is a signal to the fans, the drivers, to everyone, that NASCAR is going in what I believe is the right direction, and that is to start removing aero impact from the cars,” said driver Carl Edwards of Columbia.

“Every driver wants to be able to go down there in the corner, slide the car sideways, race bumper to bumper, and at the end of the day, NASCAR assures us as competitors that they are headed in that direction. I think that cutting a little bit of the spoiler off, getting rid of some of that pan — it’s a small thing, but it is a start in the right direction.”

As part of the changes, NASCAR will ban all team-initiated private testing in 2015. Teams will be invited to participate in NASCAR/Goodyear tire tests. NASCAR will not conduct a test at Daytona International Speedway prior to the Daytona 500.

“I’m fine with the testing ban,” said Brian Pattie, crew chief for Clint Bowyer of Emporia. “It’s good financially for everyone, most importantly the lower funded teams who maybe don’t have the funds to go test. But regardless, saving money across the board is beneficial for every team.

“The low downforce will, I believe, be even better for the racing. And if the racing is better, that means it’s better for the fans which in turn makes it better for all of us. I think NASCAR did a great job with these changes and think they will translate well for teams as well as fans.”

Also, rain tires will be allowed on road courses, similar to rules in place for the NASCAR Nationwide Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Mandatory wipers, defogger and a rear flashing rain light installed for the two road course races on the schedule.

In addition, group qualifying formats, which were introduced in 2014 for all national series, will be implemented for the first time for the 2015 Daytona 500.

▪ BOX OFFICE HOURS: Kansas Speedway’s ticket office is extending its office hours on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for fans wanting to purchase tickets for the NASCAR and ARCA races on Oct. 3-4-5. Fans can also pick up their will call tickets at that time.

This story was originally published September 24, 2014 at 2:46 PM with the headline "NASCAR adopts rules changes for 2015 Sprint Cup season."