What’s Happening?
Alan Cavanna tweeted Tuesday ahead of NASCAR’s official announcement about a change coming to the aerodynamics package teams use at the short tracks and road courses on NASCAR’s Cup Series schedule.
Cavanna says “the changes will include ‘a 2-inch spoiler and the removal of three diffuser strakes and engine panel strakes, will lead to a 30% reduction in downforce.'”
What You Need to Know:
- NASCAR is reducing the downforce on the Cup Series cars for short tracks and road courses.
- The changes will not affect the package for Bristol or Dover.
- Fans have been looking for changes to the racing product on short tracks since the Next Gen car was introduced.
NEWS: NASCAR will announce a change for Cup cars at short tracks and road courses.
— Alan Cavanna (@AlanCavanna) February 28, 2023
The changes will include “a 2-inch spoiler and the removal of three diffuser strakes and engine panel strakes, will lead to a 30% reduction in downforce.”
Around the Garage
Fans had several questions about what the changes meant. Stewart Haas’ Brian Murphy and Legacy Motor Club’s Bozi Tatarevic took to Twitter to give inside info on what the changes really are and what effect they will have.
Murphy breaks down the aero components of the package and what pieces are eliminated with the changes.
What does NASCAR’s ‘23 Cup Series Short Track Package changes consist of?
— Brian Murphy (@Brian_Murphy_) February 28, 2023
– Remove Diffuser Strakes (L/M).
– Remove Engine Strakes (F).
– 2” Spoiler. pic.twitter.com/9g683v9XcM

Bozi takes the news and discusses the effects on the racing.
Removing downforce should make the cars harder to drive and reduce some of the air that they leave in their wake which should result in more passing and competitive racing. https://t.co/gkl9EoSnmN
— Bozi Tatarevic (@BoziTatarevic) February 28, 2023
Murphy voiced his excitement for the change.

The graphics and explanations from the mechanics when NASCAR announced the changes helped fans understand the moves, but the pictures from RFK once the two inch spoiler was installed showed just how small the part was.
Honey, I shrunk the… spoiler? 🧐
— RFK Racing (@RFKracing) March 9, 2023
Riding with the 2” rear spoiler this wknd in PHX, a reduction from the 4” blade we had in Vegas
Downforce go ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/LFdRGaMdVZ
From the Officials
Cavanna relayed comments from NASCAR’s John Probst.
NASCAR’s John Probst: “Adjustments will be made to the car that will create a significant reduction in downforce, and based on driver feedback and what we saw from the January test in Phoenix, we’re excited to see the results of these efforts.”
— Alan Cavanna (@AlanCavanna) February 28, 2023
In the Stands
Fans celebrated the news with anticipation for improved racing at the affected tracks.


Rich sees the change helping with dirty air.

Less dirty air means closer racing and more green flag passing. If the changes accomplish their intended purpose, fans are in for improved racing.
From the Pressbox
Commentators Steve Letarte and Todd Gordon analyzed how the new package would affect cars starting at Phoenix.
We're going short-track racing this weekend!@SteveLetarte and @ToddBGordon break down the new rules package debuting this weekend for short ovals and road courses. pic.twitter.com/uPIeJubd07
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 9, 2023