NASCAR went to Phoenix Raceway last week for a two-day test session that featured new aerodynamic packages for short tracks and road courses, plus the introduction of mufflers for the events in Los Angeles and Chicago.
The most notable takeaway from the statement above is that NASCAR tested out mufflers last week. This might outrage fans as they state their experience at the Busch Light Clash and Chicago Street Course could be limited.
This is just a portion of the sport’s fanbase who think the NextGen cars do not need to be any less quiet than they are right now. However, there could be another introduction of mufflers on the horizon.
Related: NASCAR discusses big changes coming to NextGen car in 2023
NASCAR could potentially introduce mufflers at short tracks depending on feedback
NASCAR will use the mufflers tested at Phoenix Raceway for the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum this weekend. It is the first time the sport will use them on the NextGen cars and it might be a critical test for future events.
According to FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass, people within the industry believe that if fans approve of the new sound level and the heat issues within the cars are addressed, NASCAR could introduce mufflers to short tracks in the future.
There are a few reasons why adding mufflers to short tracks would be a good idea. First, the environment within a short track, such as Bristol Motor Speedway, is so loud that it sometimes prevents people from talking to the person next to them.
Secondly, the drivers themselves have found that NASCAR’s new cars are much louder than previous generations. It would quiet the car when going through the garage area and being around them in general.
Yet, there are still bugs that need to be sorted out. NASCAR drivers that took part in the test reported that it was incredibly hot with the mufflers on the car. This is what Joe Gibbs Racing driver Christopher Bell had to say about the mufflers overall, according to FOX Sports.
“They helped a lot through the garage area, just being around the cars when they started up — they definitely made that a lot more quiet. Inside the seat, green-flag conditions, I couldn’t tell the difference…It was hot, hot, hot, hot, hot. Back-to-back yesterday with no mufflers and today with mufflers, in the garage area sitting there through changes, it was super hot today. And yesterday it was nothing.”
Christopher Bell on the effect of mufflers inside the NextGen car
The idea of adding mufflers for the Busch Light Clash and Chicago Street Course is great overall as it limits sound but still makes the cars very loud. However, the heat issues need to be addressed before any more races include them.
If the time comes when NASCAR has successfully fixed the heat concerns, it is up to the feedback from the fans and drivers on whether mufflers could be common at every short track in the sport.