NASCAR completed a two-day short track package test at Phoenix Raceway on Wednesday night but most of the focus was placed on the decision to test a noise reducing muffler in advance of the 2024 season.
Objectively, the NextGen is considerably louder than any generation of Cup Series car that came before it thanks to a twin exhaust system that actually pumps noise both towards the grandstands and towards the infield.
Naturally, a handful of the fanbase took exception to the exercise, suggesting that NASCAR is seeking silent cars as part of some electrification agenda and the reality is that the current car is just dangerously loud.
A case could be made that the car could lead to long-term ear damage; it’s that loud.
The muffler system, first used last year at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and Streets of Chicago, is important because it allowed the series to race at places that have some sort of minimum decibel regulations.
Consider how much debate has taken place over Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway over sound mitigation. The ability for Speedway Motorsports to close out on a deal to host the Cup Series will be somewhat dependent on keeping noise levels at a reasonable level.
And really, NASCAR’s goal is to just get back to a level more closely resembling those emitted from the previous generation of car.
NASCAR is also trying to reduce cockpit temperatures, which has been a challenge with this generation of car.
“I haven’t felt really (any) heat difference,” Larson told Kickin’ The Tires on Wednesday. “I could definitely tell a sound difference, which I like. I definitely think our race cars are way too loud – and probably are still too loud with the muffler. I think the cars could be quieter to help the fan experience.”
Chris Gabeart is the Cup Series crew chief for Denny Hamlin and supports the noise mitigation efforts.
Aeden Mchugh is a Xfinity Series engineer for JR Motorsports.
NASCAR abandons shifting exercise
One of the stated goals of this two-day test, one teams have to pay for out of pocket to travel all the way from the Charlotte, North Carolina area to Phoenix, Arizona, was to address shifting on short tracks — something that has contributed to a disappointing racing product on short tracks the past two years with this car.
NASCAR said it would be too much work for one day, with a two-plus hour change to the transaxle, and teams agreeing speeds were not high enough to make a difference.
Of course, speeds aren’t high enough because NASCAR continues to push back on industry opinions that stifled horsepower levels are a major factor behind the current state of short track racing.
Dr. Eric Jacuzzi is NASCAR’s vice president of vehicle performance and the league’s head aerodynamicist.
“Power is a topic that comes up, but we’ve kind of gone down this path with the engine builders, the OEMs and the teams to contain costs and all that,” Jacuzzi told Kickin the Tires. “Will we look at it? Perhaps in the future. But there’s a lot of people behind that that need to come together and agree.
“It’s not just as simple as, ‘Hey, we’re going to do this and everyone’s going to be happy. We’ve got to be smart about what we do there. There’s a lot of inertia behind the engines and producers of those engines. Really got to bring everybody along on that journey.”
All the drivers agreed on Tuesday that Goodyear made forward progress on a tire that could improve the racing product but that the aerodynamic changes, which included a new splitter and rear diffuser package, made marginal to negligible gains.
Kyle Larson rarely offers opinions on technical matters.
“I’m not really into the technical side of it,” Larson said. “I’m just out there driving and not necessarily putting two and two together, but nothing seems way different to me. Ride quality and stuff changed with the different splitter, but I don’t know how it races any differently in traffic or anything like that.”
Jacuzzi felt like NASCAR made directional gains.
“I think our goal is to have some direction coming out of here,” Jacuzzi told Kickin the Tires. “It’s a tough thing to do, right? It’s only six cars … But I think for us it’s coming out of here with a direction on the tire, coming out with direction on the aero package that, ‘Yes, this is going to be neutral to positive.’
“There’s a lot to it that’s going to play into the early season and then kind of what we do in the future going forward.”
Matt Weaver is a Motorsports Insider for Sportsnaut. Follow him on Twitter.