Each Toyota Racing Growth and Ford Efficiency are debuting new iterations of their respective Camry and Mustang race vehicles within the Cup sequence in 2024 however to this point, every automobile has had just one restricted on-track check.
With most on-track testing curtailed in NASCAR since 2015, improvement of latest automobile fashions or updates has moved nearly completely in-house – or more-so – on display.
“All of us use the identical instruments to check and develop the our bodies, and so they’re all digital,” defined TRD president David Wilson, who will see the Toyota Camry XSE launched this season.
“It’s CFD (computational fluid dynamics), and it’s time within the wind tunnel. From these metrics, from all that info, actually, the numbers look good.”
He hopes so, anyway.
NASCAR held an organizational check in Phoenix in December which allowed a pair of Camrys and Fords to run on precise observe situations for the primary time. The following alternative comes within the Feb. 4 preseason, non-points Busch Mild Conflict on the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Photograph by: Toyota Racing
2024 NASCAR Cup Sequence Toyota Camry XSE
After that, it’s proper into points-paying competitors with the season opening Daytona 500 on Feb. 18 and then you definitely obtained what you bought for the 12 months for essentially the most half.
“We had two vehicles on observe with our new physique. I believe we have been quickest each session,” Wilson mentioned of Camry’s efficiency on the check. “We did a pair little mock racing runs, and Christopher (Bell) went from the again to the entrance. When he was in entrance, he gapped the sphere. It’s the one knowledge level we have now, and everybody felt good.
“I believe that is the most effective physique that we’ve ever taken to the race observe. Clearly, expertise will show that out.”
Ford Efficiency has skilled a a lot comparable path with the design and debut of its up to date Ford Mustang Darkish Horse.
“Design submissions have modified quite a bit lately, particularly in 2022, ’23 and ’24,” mentioned Richard Johns, Ford’s NASCAR efficiency chief. “One of many largest issues we acquire within the sport is expertise switch between what we do within the manufacturing world and what we do within the race world.
“All of the instruments that we use – the wind tunnel, the CFD, the design – all of that carries backwards and forwards. So, what we study within the improvement of the Cup automobile carries over to manufacturing and what we study in manufacturing carries over to the Cup automobile.
“There’s a number of expertise switch and particularly on the aerodynamic aspect.”
Photograph by: Ford
2024 Ford Mustang ‘Darkish Horse’
There’s loads of visible proof of adjustments in each the Ford and Toyota fashions to the bare eye.
New options of the Toyota XSE embody a particular hammerhead styling on the entrance facia with an higher grille slot that’s tied into the up to date slim and huge headlights. The skin of the bigger decrease grille space additionally options C-shaped nook vents, whereas the hood options new character strains and new hood duct exits. The again facia of the automobile additionally has revised quarter panel styling.
Comparatively, the up to date Mustang has what Johns describes as a “extra aggressive” look. The entrance finish and aspect options are up to date distinctive character strains. Most noticeable on the 2024 Mustang is a glossy new nostril on the entrance finish.
“All of our metrics level to it being an enchancment from final 12 months and from 2022,” mentioned Johns of the automobile’s efficiency. “We’re excited to get to the race observe and win one other championship.”
Staff Penske Ford drivers Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney have received the primary two Cup titles for the reason that introduction of the Subsequent Gen automobile.
“We attempt to get (the automobile) higher throughout the board with the brand new submission,” Johns mentioned. “If we didn’t suppose we got here in with a goal on our backs final 12 months (after successful the 2022 title), we actually do that 12 months.”
New rule adjustments for 2024
New mannequin introductions don’t happen over evening and on this planet of restricted to no on-track testing, that may develop into an issue when rule adjustments happen mid-development.
Working example, each Ford and Toyota had submitted their new designs for NASCAR approval when the sanctioning physique introduced earlier this month a brand new aero guidelines bundle for use this season on most quick tracks and street course occasions.
Whereas producers have been concerned within the collaborative course of from the beginning on potential new guidelines for the 2024 season, the design on their respective new fashions needed to proceed with out understanding the small print.
Cup vehicles will run a simplified diffuser together with a handful of different updates, together with a distinct sized spoiler in these occasions. The bundle was utilized within the December Phoenix check, so the brand new Toyota and Ford entries have not less than seen some very restricted observe time with it.
“Cautiously optimistic”
“With the rear diffuser, they’ve taken some downforce off the automobile. We predict we’re going to be OK,” Wilson mentioned. “Cautiously optimistic, however I believe we’re the identical as all people else holding our breath slightly bit on the identical time to see what we see as soon as we get to Phoenix (for the race in March).”
Johns mentioned there is no such thing as a query if Ford knew of the quick observe/street course adjustments on the time, it will have doubtless modified some issues within the automobile’s design to deal with potential efficiency points.
“Now, the OEMs and NASCAR are working collectively on guidelines packages and attempting to enhance racing and all that goes into it together with security, a lot nearer than we ever have earlier than,” Johns mentioned.
“However the precise bundle, we didn’t see that coming. We didn’t know the place it was going to go till we obtained to Phoenix (for the check). Not having that info, we couldn’t chase that within the design.
“We really feel like we’re in our optimum spot with what we obtained however when packages change, we have now to adapt and evolve.”
