Excitement is building for NASCAR fans and competitors alike for the
start of the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season – and in particular,
the debut of the new Sixth-Generation Car.
“The car has really awesome potential,” commented Dale Earnhardt Jr. during a test session last month.
Indeed, the development and design of the latest NASCAR Sprint Cup
Series racecar continues a robust tradition of styling that dates back
to the earliest days of the sport. Fans will instantaneously notice the
differences in the brand individuality of each Gen-6 car.
“You’ll stand there and see Fords and Toyotas and Chevrolets driving
by,” continued Earnhardt Jr. “It’s great because everything looks
different, yet everything is instantly recognizable.”
Optimism is high in the NASCAR garage surrounding the new racecar’s look, innovative technology and on-track performance.
“This car is the perfect example of technology helping our sport,” said
Earnhardt Jr.’s crew chief Steve Letarte. “I think we now have three
makes out here that my little boy at 9 years old can tell the difference
between. If you’re into racing, you want to watch cool cars go around
the track. I think the simple fact is in 2013 we have cooler cars.”
While NASCAR’s Car of Tomorrow served its purpose of providing a safer
car for drivers over the past several years, fans called for more
exciting, side-by-side racing. Manufacturers needed to return to a stock
option with deeper character lines and brand identity. And competitors
desired a model that would not only even the playing field, but produce a
good show.
Over the past two years, NASCAR and its partners have worked diligently to satisfy those needs.
“The car is a really good-looking car,” said veteran driver Jeff Burton.
“A lot of effort has gone into making these cars so that we will have
better races. I’m really excited about that because I think, at the end
of the day, that is the cornerstone of this sport. It’s an exciting day
at the race track whether you are watching it on TV or watching it at
the track.”
From brand identity to where to see driver names, here's the lowdown on
the five things every race fan should know about the Gen-6 car:
1. Brand Identity: Gen-6 cars more closely resemble
those found on the showroom floor, with eye-catching bodylines and
stylish features giving each model its distinctive appearance.
2. Safety Enhancements: Additions of forward roof bar
and center roof support bar to the roll cage reinforce integrity and
increase the crush structure of the roof. Larger roof flaps improve
liftoff numbers and decrease the likelihood of the car becoming
airborne.
3. Slim and Trim: The total weight of the car has been
reduced by 160 lbs. (100 less on right side; 60 lbs. on left). The
minimum weight of the driver has also decreased from 200 to 180 lbs.
4. Stamp of Approval: With the exception of the carbon
fiber rear deck lid, all body panels are now produced by the
manufacturer and individually stamped for verification.
5. Your Name Here: Driver names will be featured on the
upper portion of the windshield; sponsor decals and car numbers have
been removed from headlight and taillight areas
Click here to view a slide show highlighting the evolution of NASCAR racecars.