Short Track Testing at Phoenix Raceway
Leading the list of off-season concerns for the upcoming 2024 season is how to improve racing quality on short tracks and road courses. Increasing horsepower seems like the most obvious answer to the problem, and NASCAR has agreed to consider it. However, it might not be a feasible option. A noteworthy increase in horsepower would mean a noteworthy increase in costs, which have already soared past the original prediction when the Next Gen was introduced. It would also mean getting all manufacturers to agree to a major overhaul. Consequently, alternative options are also being explored as testing continues.
December 5–6 marks the next critical test session, taking place at the 1-mile track of Phoenix Raceway. Six teams will participate, with representation from each manufacturer. Among the contenders, we can expect to see three Champ 4 drivers: Christopher Bell representing Toyota, Ryan Blaney for Ford, and Kyle Larson for Hendrick. Corey LaJoie will be the second Chevrolet driver, while Legacy Motor Club will make its first appearance with Toyota now that the switch has taken place. As for Ford, RFK Racing is likely to be the other prominent contender in the mix.
