WATKINS GLEN, NEW YORK – AUGUST 21: On August 21, 2022, at Watkins Glen, New York, during the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen, Cole Custer, driving the #41 HaasTooling.com Ford, and Kimi Raikkonen, driving the #91 Recogni Chevrolet, compete in a race. (Image: Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
In response to Kevin Harvick’s worries following a fire in his car during last weekend’s Southern 500, NASCAR announced a rules modification on Wednesday.
The modifications follow Harvick’s harsh criticism of NASCAR after his race at Darlington Raceway was stopped by flames that engulfed the front of his car.
NASCAR has announced the following changes:
Between the top of the splitter panel and the back of the front clip weight box, a lateral seal or dam must be constructed (location shown below). This seal must lateraly span the engine panel’s width. This dam’s goal is to stop tire debris from the splitter area from migrating.
The right side back stop panel’s bottom front section has to be trimmed as shown. A 14 gauge stainless steel panel must be used to replace the missing section. It is necessary to mount the steel panel inboard of the polymer panel.
It is advised that the space between the exhaust and the bottom of the rocker box be maximized using any joint adjustment available in the exhaust assembly.
Social media was flooded by supporters thanking Harvick for the new regulations.
One supporter stated, “Just think if Harvick hadn’t gone on a rant this wouldn’t be happening, he’s the only reason for this to come.”