Goodyear commits to 'softer' NASCAR tyres
Goodyear Racing in Akron, OH, will produce new, 'softer' tyres for the 2004 Nextel Cup race series, in response to new NASCAR rear spoiler regulations which will reduce aerodynamic grip [Oct 20]. Goodyear's NASCAR chief engineer, Rick Campbell, has confirmed that the company will offer a new set of 'D-codes' to provide the stock cars with more mechanical grip, and put the emphasis back on driving and racing
The change offered by NASCAR is a 0.75in reduction of the rear spoiler height. NASCAR estimates that the change could take away 75-100lb of rear downforce - which the teams likely will recover in time. NASCAR says that it will then consider further cuts.
The main change for Goodyear will be in its left-side sets, which will help with the 'loose' feel in the cars as a result of diminished rear downforce. Campbell added: "We will not carry over one single code into next year.
"This is a new construction package that's been under development the last year or so. It gives a driver a very progressive, very easy to drive kind of feel - not a knife-edge situation where you're constantly jumping back and forth between loose and tight."
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