NASCAR has been focusing on the new 2013 cars for several months, and the latest information indicates that the tire tests in Texas are successful. The tests at the Texas Motor Speedway are part of the ongoing plans to see how the tires will perform after being redesigned. NASCAR's main goal seems to be to improve the mechanical grip of the tires, so the cars are no longer dependent on aerodynamics at the track.
NASCAR Tests Tires
Prior to the Texas Motor Speedway, NASCAR tested the 2013 cars and tires at the Martinsville Speedway and the Talladega Superspeedway. There are also plans to conduct more tests at Phoenix International Raceway and Charlotte Motor Speedway. At this point, NASCAR seems pleased with the results of the tests and is praising Goodyear engineers for the changes.
NASCAR has allowed Paul Menard, Greg Biffle, Kyle Busch and Juan Pablo Montoya to participate in the tests at the Texas Motor Speedway. While NASCAR has focused on giving the 2013 cars more brand identity, the tires are part of its larger goal to reduce the dependence on aerodynamics. Drivers seem happy with the change, and Greg Biffle believes they are "definitely headed in the right direction."
Improving Mechanical Grip
The tires that will be used in 2013 have been redesigned to improve mechanical grip on the track, but this is not the only change. In addition to the exterior appearance of the cars being different, NASCAR has been manipulating other areas to reduce the dependence on aerodynamics. The 2013 cars will be 160 pounds lighter than their predecessors with more weight on the left side. NASCAR claims that the changes will help increase passing at future races without diminishing safety.
One of NASCAR's goals for the 2012 season was to reduce tandem racing to please fans who felt that the drafting created boring races. This goal has not changed for the next season as drivers have noticed that the new cars are more prone to instability, so tandem racing will be more dangerous. NASCAR obviously hopes that this will result in more exciting races in 2013.
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Growing up in Indiana, Lana developed a love for motorsports at an early age. She follows NASCAR, IndyCar and Formula One. Follow @Lana_Bandoim on Twitter.
