CONCORD, N.C. -- Daytona International Speedway announced Thursday there will be some unique elements for the upcoming Cup Series race at the track's road course set for the third weekend in August.
Daytona will add a chicane in Turn 4, which will add a strategic element to the unique race. The drivers will tap in to a different set of talents to navigate the serpentine turn and use every bit of their fine motor skills.
Another key element in the 14-turn, 3.57-mile course will be the set stages. The Cup Series race will be 65 laps split into stages of 15/30/65.
“NASCAR and its OEMs ran several simulations to determine the course layout and engine/aero package for the inaugural NASCAR race on the Daytona International Speedway road course,” said John Probst, senior vice president of racing innovation.
“Due to the predicted high speeds and loads on the braking system, NASCAR will add a chicane off oval Turn 4 at Daytona and move to a high downforce 750 hp aero/engine package for the NASCAR Cup Series race on Aug. 16. We believe this will combine vehicle performance and safety to provide the best possible road course race for our fans.”
The addition of the road course throughout the NASCAR circuit was set after the cancellation of the races at Watkins Glen in New York due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Originally, it was announced that the 2021 Clash would move to the speedway’s road course and take place under the lights on Tuesday, Feb. 9. With the schedule adjustments, the first Cup Series race at the road course now is set for Sunday, Aug. 16 at 3 p.m. ET on NBCSN.