NASCAR has announced the mandatory implementation of an air deflector on the right side rear of its Next Gen cars, effective from the playoffs starting at Atlanta Motor Speedway on September 8.
This decision, specifically targeting intermediate and superspeedway tracks, follows a series of major incidents, including dramatic flips by drivers Corey LaJoie, Michael McDowell, and Josh Berry.
The introduction of this safety feature is largely a reaction to these recent crashes, particularly LaJoie’s flip during a race at Michigan International Speedway. This was compounded by similar flips by McDowell and Berry at Daytona, heightening concerns over car stability on high-speed tracks.
Following his Michigan incident, LaJoie visited NASCAR’s Research and Development Center, seeking more information into why the cars are behaving this way.
Todd Gilliland, driver of the #38 Georgia Peanuts Ford, leads the field during the NASCAR Cup Series Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 25, 2024 in Hampton, Georgia. NASCAR has introduced an air deflector on Next-Gen cars in response to recent crashes.
Alex Slitz/Getty Images
“All the guys that were there that could have explained it to me – in probably way more scientific terms than I could understand – had come down to Daytona already,” LaJoie explained to the media following the race. “I haven’t had a chance to connect with those guys; it was just [John] Patalak. So, I looked at more of the interior stuff – the halo bars, the mouthpiece sensor data, stuff like that to get an idea. The car performed exactly how it should in the event of a roll,” LaJoie recounted.
Despite the scary experience, LaJoie maintained a light-hearted perspective on his difficult season.
“That’s just about the way the year’s gone. You know, we have a good car, and I find a way to flip it upside down. Twice this year, we’ve been upside down, and I haven’t been upside down in my whole career,” he reflected. “Unfortunately, that’s how the year for our No. 7 team.
“We’ve had speed, just haven’t been able to put it all together. But the No. 10 chopped me a couple of times, especially off (Turn 2) and I had a run, and I don’t know, I haven’t seen the replay yet. If he pulled it off the wall when I was trying to get his left rear. … It was a ride, buddy.
“There’s sparks and dirt and all sorts of stuff coming in. I just hate that our Garner Trucking Camaro got a little dinged up. I think we had a top 12, top 10 car today. I hate that we ended up on our roof. … Kudos to NASCAR for building safe cars. … That’s a big lick.”
The newly mandated air deflectors aim to improve safety by potentially reducing the likelihood of cars flipping during high-speed impacts.
As the playoffs approach and the new rule takes effect, NASCAR will be keeping a very close eye.
