A second test for NASCAR's Next-Gen car for competition in its Cup Series is underway at ISM Raceway. Team Penske Ford driver Joey Logano is driving the car in the test that began Monday and concludes Tuesday.
“I think a lot of it is just understanding, for one, just some durability stuff but also just understanding what works and what doesn’t,” Logano said ahead of the test. "I’d like to, once we get to some point, I’d like to make some longer runs just to kind of see where things go, but I think there’s just so many differences with the car that we need to understand. I think there’s some aero package differences, some tires we’re changing will be a little different and some drivability things, but I think it’s still very much in the beginnings of the development process.
"With only having one car out there, it’s hard to say one aero package over another besides just an aero balance, so I’m looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to getting back in a race car. It’s been a few weeks, so I like doing that, and just curious more than anything of just how this thing’s going to drive.”
The car was tested by Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet driver Austin Dillon in October at Richmond Raceway. Another test is scheduled for January at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The car is expected to be introduced for competition in 2021. Both of the tests, so far, have been single-car tests featuring a non-manufacturer-specific car.
According to NASCAR President Steve Phelps, one of the goals with the introduction of the new car is a more "stock" appearance.
“Our OEM partners were here looking at the showroom car or the streetcar versus what our race car will look like. It’s going to be extraordinary,” Phelps said during Championship Weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway last month.
A move to a larger wheel already has been announced. In photos from the first day of the ISM Raceway test, released on Twitter by NASCAR and ISM Raceway, the car appears to have rear exhaust vents and more defined body lines.
