NASCAR announces 2015 racing rules package

CONCORD, N.C. -- On Tuesday, NASCAR announced the 2015 racing rules package for the Sprint Cup Series.

"I think NASCAR's goal as always is to create great racing and competition," Jimmie Johnson said Tuesday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. "I think that as a group, NASCAR owners and drivers have spent more time in coversation working on 2015 plans and beyond than ever, so hopefully the product really translates to the track and we put on a good show." 

Highlighted in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series changes for 2015 are nearly 60 enhancements, including adjustments to the power train, aerodynamics and chassis that are designed to work in concert to deliver drivers more flexibility and teams more adjustability. Fans are expected to benefit from closer racing and more opportunities for drivers to pass on the track.

NASCAR will institute a shorter rear spoiler in its 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series package, which also includes a reduction of engine power, lower rear differential gear ratios and an optional driver adjustable track bar.

Based on the success of group qualifying formats, which were introduced in 2014 for all national series, NASCAR also announced that group qualifying will be utilized for the first time for the Daytona 500.

Additional changes for the 2015 rules include the elimination of team-facilitated private testing, with race teams being instead invited to participate in NASCAR / Goodyear tests throughout the season. NASCAR also will work alongside Goodyear to introduce rain tires should conditions warrant during road course events in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series in 2015.

Below are some of the significant updates to the 2015 racing package.

Testing
There will be a NASCAR-mandated ban on all team-initiated private testing in 2015
Teams will be invited to participate in NASCAR / Goodyear tests
NASCAR will not conduct a test at Daytona International Speedway prior to the Daytona 500

Rules
2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race Package includes:
Reduction of horsepower to 725 via tapered spacer
Roller valve lifters to replace flat valve lifter
Lower rear differential gear ratios targeting 9,000 RPM
Rear spoiler adjustment to 6 inches high (2014 height: 8 inches)
Optional driver adjustable track bar
38-inch wide radiator pan
Minimum vehicle weight drops 50 lbs. via ballast reduction (2014 weight: 3,300 w/o driver)
Updated qualifying formats for all tracks
Rain tires on road courses, similar to rules in place for the NASCAR XFINITY Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series; mandatory wipers, defogger and rear flashing rain light installed for the event weekend

New Officiating Processes
Data Log and Capture System for pre-race inspections
Automated pit road officiating at race events

Newly Approved Parts
Revised brake calipers

Updated Business Processes
Electronic rule book
New parts approval process