NASCAR has taken its first steps towards improving speedway racing with the introduction of the new package for the upcoming race at Daytona International Speedway. However, Connor Zilisch and Todd Gilliland have demands particularly drag reduction that needs to be added to the updated speedway package. 

On July 15, NASCAR announced that the spoiler for the car at Daytona will be reduced from 7 inches to 4 inches; along with this, the horsepower will be reduced from 510 to 465 to adjust for the reduced downforce. These changes are intended to reduce reliance on fuel-saving strategies and encourage on-track passing.

During their recent appearance on the "Actions Detrimental" podcast, Gilliland and Zilisch were asked if they had any suggestions to further improve the speedway package. Zilisch instantly compared the Cup cars to the O’Reilly cars. 

"I mean, if you ask any of the drivers, I think there's a common answer. Less drag, I think a different car, but I don't think that's possible right now. I think obviously the biggest thing is drag, and they're taking a lot of drag out, but I think that will help. I mean the thing is with the Xfinity cars, like you can't run 40% throttle in 25th when the leaders are wide open, whereas in a Cup car you can. So I think the hole that the cars are punching is too big."

Adding on to what Zilisch said, Gilliland pointed out to another problem that NASCAR should look into, which is the short track package. 

"Another thing, is the short track package. All these guys at the front are saying their cars drive too good. We need less grip, more horsepower, and then I'm back there in the back. Who is asking for this, struggling with what we had before? [laughter] Now I have less grip already. I'm down on grip and more horsepower, dude."

NASCAR has shown willingness to take in their drivers' feedback about the racing product, which is evident through their latest Daytona Speedway package. 

However, that is not the only suggestion the two Cup Series drivers made to NASCAR. 

NASCAR Cup drivers voice their support to bring back tandem racing

Back in the early 2010s, NASCAR drivers used to communicate mid-race with their rivals via the Citizen Band radio; it was mostly used to strategize and help them pair up to help each other out. 

During the aforementioned podcast, Zilisch and Gilliland were questioned about who would be their tandem partner if NASCAR went back to the tandem package. 

"Unpopular opinion, but I think the tandem racing would be sick to bring back," Todd Gilliland replied.

Connor Zilisch quickly chimed in as he picked his Trackhouse teammate to be his tandem partner. He said:

"I feel like Me and Shane would be some good tandem partners.

Todd Gilliland further explained how it would help the drivers coordinate more effectively. 

"Also, we need to bring back the radio with the big dial of like everyone's car numbers. Just tune in. 'Yo, Connor, you want to work with me? No, man. I already got Shane.' That would be cool. If we could do that at practice for the 500, that would be perfect."

As of now, NASCAR has not shown any indication of bringing the tandem racing era back. 

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco