After a thriller of a season 2014 produced, it might be hard to top it this year. Wether it was great finishes, post-race fights, new qualifying and a new chase, 2014 seemed to have it all. But what can we expect in this year? Here's 3 things we can expect.
1. Less horsepower and downforce.
This was a rule change made last year to equalize teams with different horsepower ranges, that might them an advantage. They also reduced downforce as another way to equalize the competition.The horsepower will be similar to that of the Xfinity series cars. With these changes, we might see more lead changes and more multi-grove racing as there's less downforce on the cars. Drivers would be more able to run different lines, thus making for possibly more exciting racing. Following a tire test at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Brad Keselowski noted that the cars had more speed in corners, rather than the starightaways.
2. New rides
1, Carl Edwards. He will be in a 4th JGR car numbered 19, with sponsorship from Arris,Subway,Sports Clips and Stanley tools. Could this be the chance he needs to get his first championship, or will he have disappointment like in years past at RFR.
2. Trevor Bayne. This was a long time coming for the 2011 Daytona 500 champion. He has full season sponsorship from AdvoCare in the iconic number 6 Ford of Roush Fenway Racing. Could he get RFR back into race and championship winning mode, following a disappointing 2013 and 2014 for RFR.
3. Sam Hornish Jr. Being in various Xfinity (then Nationwide) rides, it seemed like a chance for him to get a full time Cup ride was nowhere to be found, until Ambrose at RPM left the 9 car to run V-8 Super cars in his native Australia. So, Hornish seemed to be a good fit for the rising RPM team, with his years in Cup and Xfinity as experience. His sponsorship will be with Twisted Tea, and looking for more as Stanley/DeWalt left for JGR.
4. Ryan Blaney. Driving the fabled Wood Brothers Ford, Blaney will drive part-time for the team, including this year's Daytona 500, with the team that won it 4 years ago. This adds another up-and-comer to the 500, as last year he won an Xfinity race at Bristol, and a thrilling win at Mosport in the trucks.
5. Ty Dillon. Fresh of his rookie year in the Xfinity series, he follows his older brother Austin, into starting the 500 with Circle Sport Racing. The team will field the number 33 Chevy with Cherrios as his sponsor. Supposedly, he will run part-time with this team.
3. Merchandise tents
In an effort to consolidate all the merchandise being sold at races, NASCAR will make tents for all of the drivers' gear and other items. This has not been without controversy, as fans cited that there would be long lines at the tents, thus making them feel it wouldn't be worth their time waiting in line to get their favorite driver's gear.
With these changes in mind, 2015 should be once again another very entertaining season for NASCAR.
