2016 Michigan - FireKeepers Casino 400 - Pre Race Thread

Some are going to reach a tipping point, but teams are always developing and improving in attempting to find said lost downforce.

Michigan should be a fun one this year. I call for the 88 or 24 getting that first win this year, I think it's time for one of them. Keep an eye on Biffle this week because he loves Michigan and Roush is going to really push for Jack this weekend in Ford's backyard. Fords should be extremely fast this week.


I'm just excited for this one, bring on Sunday.
 
I am so damn jacked for this weekend....maybe more than any other weekend this year. First, I love the manufacturer-centric vibe I felt in Michigan last year. I was so damn impressed with the Ford and Chevy loyalists I met. Great conversations. True race fans. Once they got done hating me for my Toyota bias, we had a great time. Their hate was completely classy and respectful--if you get my drift. Those fans know their ****. Loved it. Second, the new rules package is in my wheelhouse as a TRD supporter. How quickly can teams/builders/manufacturers react? Third, this track is fast, and with all due respect to Pete Pistone, speed is cool. I just can't wait for practice to start to see what will happen. Great stuff.
 
Kiante said:
Keep an eye on Biffle this week because he loves Michigan and Roush is going to really push for Jack this weekend in Ford's backyard. Fords should be extremely fast this week.
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I agree with this 100%.
 
The guys on Race Hub (Thursday) repeatedly said this Michigan rules package is almost the same as the All Star Race rules, but I believe that is wrong. They predicted the Penske Fords will be very strong because they were P1 and P2 in the All Star. My understanding is...

All Star Race: Basic 2015 rules, plus rear tow set to zero. Also, loss of brake duct fans for all subsequent races. No change to radiator pan or spoiler.

Michigan and Kentucky: Basic 2015 rules, including the base 2015 rear skew specs, with reductions in radiator pan, rear spoiler, and rear deck fin. Brake fans are still gone.

IMO, the All Star deal and the Michigan deal are completely different approaches to handling and aero grip.
 
You would think you could count on reliable information from these people. You can't.
 
Kiante said:
Some are going to reach a tipping point, but teams are always developing and improving in attempting to find said lost downforce.
Click to expand...
Small gains have been made working under the cars. There's no way to get close to regaining what's been taken away.

In addition to grip, downforce provides stability / drivability at these speeds. If reductions were to continue, those things would finally be lost and everybody would know it.

Are they there yet?
 
What spoiler? We don't need no stinkin' spoilers!

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Speeds of 215+ heading into turn #1. Be interesting to see just how fast they'll get their new setups to run.
 
Austin Dillon pretty much hit 200 mph.

This is going to be a bonkers qualifying session.

I'm expecting a lot of engines to grenade this weekend...
 
Can't wait to watch this all play out after work today.
 
Gets hard to keep track of the laps with them coming in to the garage and leaving again but AD just went out and took another run jumping to the top of the board. Definitely qualifying trim for some.
 
@CandiceSpencer

Carl Edwards says he's touching the brakes a little more than he's used to...calls the package a great move in the right direction
 
Talking like braking may be an issue here. Hub temps climbing higher than they've seen here before. :eek:

Ramifications for every positive change I guess.
 
braking at these speeds....will the tires fail without the fans?
 
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