NASCAR teams face uncertainty with new Daytona package ahead of race
Motorsport.com • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 27, 2026, 8:00 PM
Last updated Aug 27, 2026
As NASCAR prepares for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Saturday at Daytona, teams face uncertainty with a new car package that lacks practice sessions. With changes such as a reduced rear spoiler and decreased horsepower, crew chiefs and drivers are unsure how these adjustments will impact handling and racing dynamics. Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 crew chief Adam Stevens indicated it could lead to 'total chaos,' while Denny Hamlin anticipates a challenging yet potentially exciting race. Daniel Suarez echoed that no one truly knows how the race will play out. The absence of practice means teams must rely on adaptability during the event.
- •New car package features shorter rear spoilers and reduced horsepower.
- •No practice sessions for drivers prior to the race at Daytona.
- •Crew chiefs express concern about handling and safety at Turn 1.
- •Drivers anticipate both chaotic racing and potential for increased passing.
- •Denny Hamlin believes adapted strategies could lead to favorable outcomes.
- 8:30 PMMotorsport.com — New package Daytona is a complete unknown for NASCAR Cup teams - Motorsport.com
- 8:00 PMYahoo Sports — New package Daytona is a complete unknown for NASCAR Cup teams
"When the race starts, there will be no practice and no real data
"When the race starts, there will be no practice and no real data
Sources
External links- Motorsport.comAug 27, 2026, 8:30 PMNew package Daytona is a complete unknown for NASCAR Cup teams - Motorsport.com
When the race starts, there will be no practice and no real data
- Yahoo SportsAug 27, 2026, 8:00 PMNew package Daytona is a complete unknown for NASCAR Cup teams
When the race starts, there will be no practice and no real data
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NASCAR•Oct 18, 2026, 12:14 AMKyle Larson Admits He ‘Sucks’ at Phoenix, Then Qualifies 22nd
NASCAR•Oct 17, 2026, 10:34 PMOfficial Starting Lineup: NASCAR Cup Series Freeway Insurance 500 at Phoenix
NASCAR•Oct 17, 2026, 10:31 PMNASCAR Cup Series Phoenix Qualifying Results: Who Is On The Pole?
NASCAR•Oct 17, 2026, 8:55 PMCatching Larson in the NASCAR Chase has to start at track where 'I suck'
NASCAR•Oct 17, 2026, 6:20 PMNASCAR entry list for Cup Series race at Phoenix in 2026 Chase
NASCAR•Oct 17, 2026, 5:32 AMBrennan Poole joins Jordan Anderson Racing for 2027 NASCAR O'Reilly season