A “hot” topic in NASCAR was discussed on Wednesday. One day later Brad Keselowski said it expects next weekend’s race to be “the most physically difficult race of the year,” NASCAR sent teams a bulletin that they are mandating the use of a conduit dual outlet on the right side window of racing vehicles this weekend at Michigan International Speedway.
Why this change? This weekend the Sprint Cup Series will bring to MIS the high-drag package they used for the Brickyard 400 a few weeks ago at Indianapolis. After that race, several drivers were treated for heat-related illnesses – even the Xfinity Series race at the track, 150 miles shorter, caused multiple problems.
The cause of the illnesses was attributed to insufficient airflow due to the configuration of the rules package. Extending the rear bumper sealed air out of the cockpit, increasing drag but causing temperatures in some cars to exceed 140 degrees. With the higher speeds in Michigan – leading to more engine heat – as well as a sunny, 87-degree day predicted for Sunday, teams worried that drivers might once again battle heat-related illnesses welcomed the change.
The addition of the dual duct will bring the total number of openings in the window for airflow to three, additions that NASCAR hopes will keep drivers cool in the car.
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