Drivers discuss what Phoenix race could be like with new aero package

AVONDALE, Ariz. — Opinions vary but drivers are hopeful that the new aero package debuting this weekend will make passing easier in Sunday’s Cup race at Phoenix Raceway.

NASCAR cut the spoiler from 4 to 2 inches and made changes to the underside of the car to reduce downforce. The changes, tested at this track in January, will be used at most short tracks and all road course events. 

Kyle Larson posted the fastest lap 131.258 mph Friday. He was followed by Ryan Blaney (131.105 mph) and Alex Bowman (130.724), Joey Logano (130.586) and Chase Briscoe (130.270). Josh Berry (128.986) was 23rd, filling in for the injured Chase Elliott. Qualifying is Saturday.

NASCAR announced Friday night that it took the louvers, the vents on the hoods, from all four Hendrick Motorsports cars after practice. There will be no penalties this weekend. If there are any penalties, those will come next week. NASCAR saw a potential issue with the louvers before practice, discussed it during practice and confiscated the pieces after the practice session.

Denny Hamlin said after Friday’s practice that he noticed a change in passing cars. 

“I think they did a really good job of getting some grip out of the car,” he said of NASCAR.

Hamlin, who was 19th on the speed chart, said he was “looking forward” to Sunday’s race and that he thought it would be easier to pass than last year’s race. Hamlin also cautioned about having unrealistic expectations for this weekend.

“I don’t want everyone to get crazy excited and then if the race is a snoozer, that’s just how it happens sometimes, but this is the right direction for sure.”

Bowman said there was a lot of “slipping and sliding” on the track with this new package. He found it challenging behind cars in