There likely is something to say about Kurt's age and previous crash history involved in this one. I don't personally know him, but we all know its not his first hard hit. Could the car of done more to protect him? Some people think so, but none of us have all the data to make that call so like typical its all pure speculation.
I think the teams certainly know some of this data, and if the drivers are saying it, I tend to believe them over what NASCAR is saying, because unlike NASCAR, they won't lose any credibility over it if the car has a problem. I don't have ANY trouble believing that the car could have a window where does not absorb energy in a crash as well as the old car. Think of it like an aluminum beverage can. Have a 150 LB person stomp on it, and obviously it goes flat. Now have the same person slowly and carefully put their weight on it and see how differently the can handles it.
At least the statement acknowledges the drivers are indeed feeling the wrecks more.
What? You mean infallible Nascar might be just talking out of their ass, and even after having an additional year to get this stuff right, there are more questions than answers? I usually get hammered here for suggesting such a thing. I have a possible solution. Ben Kennedy is a former driver, strap his ass into one of these cars and launch him into a few walls, and then he can go tell Mom and Uncle Jim what it feels like.
NASCAR doesn't seem to be hearing what the drivers are saying. They are complaining about ALL the hits being harder. Doesn't have to be what most would consider a big hit. ALL of the hits are big in this car because it don't fold up any. As Harvick said, feels like hitting concrete on ALL the impacts.
Speeds are increased? Different angles?
I'm not so sure if this is an extreme, but would a driver strike force NASCAR's hand?
Without looking at the data we have no idea. The overall speed may be down but it's very possible that impact speed is actually up. With how the cars are really on the edge, bottoming out and darting off they don't seem to scrub the speed before impact. Different angles is completely possible based on what I said above.
I would think that is some of it just guessing. The g force impact could show ok, but the period - the length of time it goes thru the crumpling could be the culprit. One of the drivers was saying that with the old car a hit in the rear would mash up the whole trunk fenders etc put them out of the race but the impact is less....the period is spread out.
Very possible. The crushing of the car definitely slows down the acceleration time.
If you don't think the powers that be aren't looking at it that is your choice. But there hasn't been a version of the car over the years that wasn't continually modified when it was warranted. This won't be any different.
Probably not. ALL drivers, not just current Cup ones. would have to agree to participate. That won't happen. There are plenty of drivers on lower-tier teams, or in X or even Trucks, who would jump at a chance to drive Hendrick or JGR or Penske cars. With all the money on the line for the stakeholders, those drivers would probably get paid pretty well.
Of course they are looking at it. I believe that. My point here is that it *sounds* as if the drivers are not as informed about that process as they would like to be. It's a communication issue more than anything else. Sorry if that wasn't clear.
I think you need to define and understand the problem before you try to fix it. That's problem solving 101. Yeah hits feel harder we know that. Why do they feel harder? Once you figure that out you can fix it, otherwise you're just throwing darts at a board and actually risk making things work by just trying things
I think Kevin tried to open those communications last night...
The problem with teams "fixing" the problems themselves is they figure out a way to manipulate it to their advantage. And costs soon spiral out of control.
Your opinion doesn't offend me, I find it quite humorous.
Perhaps you missed the last part of Kyles Interview where they are in contact through the drivers council?
Chase Elliott also said Nascar communications have been positive and encouraging, per an AP article a few days ago. “You never want to take a step backward,” Elliott said. “It’s been great conversations (with NASCAR) and I think it will end up making a difference.”
apnews.com
I laughed when Kevin had his meltdown, I knew that was coming, typical Harvick.Chase Elliott also said Nascar communications have been positive and encouraging, per an AP article a few days ago. “You never want to take a step backward,” Elliott said. “It’s been great conversations (with NASCAR) and I think it will end up making a difference.”
The AP article quoted Dr. John Patalak, Nascar's managing director of safety engineering. He said the new car was never regarded as a final draft. There already have been safety modifications, and more analytics could lead to additional changes...
“There are certain solutions that can’t be implemented immediately,” Patalak said. “There are other solutions that can.”
NASCAR drivers feeling the hits more in Next Gen car
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The jolts are more jarring, the impacts feel harder and the pain hangs on longer for NASCAR drivers in the first season of the Next Gen car.
And then there's Kevin Harvick. Harv eviscerated Nascar after his pyrotechnic episode Sunday night in Darlington, but frankly, complaints from Kevin lack credibility with me no matter what the topic. He has a long, long history of throwing anyone and everyone under the bus when he's frustrated. He's a hypocrite and an instigator. It's just how he copes. I'm not saying he's wrong, but I won't believe he's right without lots of other evidence.
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www.sportskeeda.com
It's called collective knowledge stacked up over decades. But instead of asking THOSE people to collaborate and help design a new Cup car, NASCAR brings in outsiders and tries to modify a design from a totally different and far less demanding type of racing. I'm not saying the Cup car design didn't need to evolve, but the old car got to where it was because it WORKED, and the bugs were sorted out years ago. People liked to laugh at the truck arm rear suspension, but it was cheap, simple, almost bullet proof and it WORKED. Overall, the new car isn't that bad, but considering the lead time it should be better, and with NASCAR's iron fisted control over it, the solutions will come harder and slower than if the teams where able to just fix it. As far as the rocker fires, why the hell haven't they routed a couple of the fire suppression nozzles into that area? Released into the front of that confined space it should be able to knock down the fire before it completely trashes the car.
