For all three NASCAR series in 2023, the question remains: will the champion be the one to take the final checkered flag at Phoenix Raceway, or will someone else emerge victorious? Let’s hear what the experts have to say.
Mark Kristl:
The respect the field has for the Championship 4 drivers plays a massive role in determining the outcome of these races. However, Sammy Smith has shown impressive skills at Phoenix Raceway and is expected to perform well. Despite his run-in with John Hunter Nemechek at Martinsville Speedway, where he felt like he had no teammates, Smith has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with. With Joe Gibbs Racing’s strong performance at Phoenix, Smith has a good chance of winning the race.
Andrew Stoddard:
As championship weekend approaches, we can expect the top contenders to rise to the occasion. This year will be no different. Winning the race will be crucial for securing the championship in all three series at Phoenix.
Caleb Barnes:
Every year, we wonder if the NASCAR Cup Series champion will fail to win the race. However, history has shown that the eventual champion usually emerges victorious. This year’s Cup Championship 4 looks formidable, and in the Xfinity Series, the winner and champion have remained the same in recent years. The Truck Series, on the other hand, has seen different winners and champions, making it more unpredictable. Overall, the chances of a non-championship contender winning the race are slim.
Luken Glover:
It’s highly unlikely to see a non-playoff contender winning the Cup finale, as it has never happened before. This year’s group of contenders is strong, with drivers like William Byron, Kyle Larson, Ryan Blaney, and Christopher Bell vying for the title. Similarly, the Xfinity and Truck Series Championship 4 also have a good shot at winning their respective races.
Taylor Kornhoff:
None of the Truck Championship 4 have won at Phoenix and their performance at the track has been underwhelming. Ben Rhodes leads in stats only due to his longevity in the sport. However, in the Cup and Xfinity series, the champion usually comes out on top. The decision to use a different tire for the Cup season finale at Phoenix raises questions. Let’s discuss.
NASCAR’s decision to use a different tire:
Luken Glover:
Using a different tire is the right move, but it might not bring drastic changes. The tire used at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in the summer produced a solid race with multiple lead changes. However, there are still many unknown factors between New Hampshire and Phoenix. While a softer tire may improve the racing at Phoenix, more adjustments need to be made to enhance the overall race experience.
Caleb Barnes:
Introducing a different, softer tire is a positive step, but it may only serve as a temporary solution. The recent tire change at Martinsville improved the racing to some extent, but tires can only wear so much. Increasing horsepower could be a better way to stimulate tire wear and promote diverse strategies among drivers and teams.
Andrew Stoddard:
The Next Gen car and the current tire compound have resulted in underwhelming short track races in the Cup Series. Therefore, changing the tire compound is a good start to improving the product. More tire wear could lead to more passing and varied performance over long runs, ultimately providing an enhanced racing experience.
Taylor Kornhoff:
Based on the improved racing at Martinsville with the new tire, there is reason to be optimistic about the decision to use a different tire at Phoenix. It seems to be a step in the right direction towards creating a more exciting and competitive race.
Mark Kristl:
While the intention behind introducing a different tire is to emphasize tire conservation, it may not be a wise decision. Teams likely prepared for Phoenix using the tire used in the spring event, and changing it now adds unnecessary drama. NASCAR may be trying to create a thrilling winner-take-all moment, but it risks compromising the fairness of the competition.
Denny Hamlin’s proposal to increase racecars’ horsepower:
Caleb Barnes:
NASCAR should not only consider increasing horsepower at short tracks but also at all tracks. More horsepower could mitigate the aero deficiencies and reduce momentum racing, which has dominated recent races. Looking back at old races, when drivers encountered aero tightness, they used to recover quickly without losing much ground. With the current setup, losing positions due to lifting in the wake of a car is a common occurrence. However, my only concern is that if all cars are running at the same speed, passing may still be challenging on single-lane racetracks.
Mark Kristl:
Absolutely! Adding more horsepower would only enhance short track racing. The recent race at Martinsville showed improvement, and Denny Hamlin’s suggestion should be considered. As a knowledgeable team owner and veteran driver, Hamlin wouldn’t advocate for it if it were a step in the wrong direction. The changes could make short track racing more exciting and enjoyable for the fans.
Taylor Kornhoff:
I agree with Hamlin’s proposal. The Next Gen car’s stability has limited the excitement, despite various adjustments. Increasing horsepower would give drivers more control and could be the best move to improve the racing experience.
Luken Glover:
Absolutely! In fact, increasing horsepower to 750 or even higher is necessary. Roush-Yates Engines CEO Doug Yates also supports this idea. More horsepower reduces the margin for error and makes passing easier. It’s not the only issue that needs to be addressed, as other factors like tire size, structure, gearing, and ride height also play a crucial role in improving the sport.
Biggest breakout driver in NASCAR in 2023:
Taylor Kornhoff:
John Hunter Nemechek has been the standout driver this season. Despite not receiving much attention, his performance in the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 42 car has been remarkable. With the most wins across all three series, over 1,000 laps led, and consistent top 10 finishes, he deserves recognition for his impressive season.
Luken Glover:
Two drivers have caught my attention this year. The first is Sam Mayer, who won his seventh Truck start at an early age and has shown immense potential. Another driver to watch is Zane Smith, who could potentially secure a win in the Truck Series. However, the Championship 4 in all three series also have strong chances of winning.
