Eric Jacuzzi, NASCAR's Vice President of vehicle performance and lead aerodynamicist, is stepping down after nearly 13 years in the position.

Jacuzzi led the Gen-7 car redesign, which debuted in 2022. His decision comes in the midst of a season that has seen several package updates to tackle criticism made on the Next-Gen car. 

Excessive grip and massive downforce were the qualms most had about the Next Gen car, which led to track position and fuel-saving efficiency being race-defining strategies as compared to the raw racing actions fans hope to see. 

Jacuzzi announced his decision on LinkedIn and wrote, “Bittersweet but after almost 13 years at NASCAR it’s time for something different. Last officials hard card for me!”

The timing seems to be a bit odd given NASCAR has actively been making changes to both short track and superspeedway packages. The reduction of downforce and some bodywork changes are at the center of the changes being made to the packages.

Jacuzzi’s note was an emotional one, and he thanked those who have been on this over-decade-long journey with him. His note continued, “Cannot thank my colleagues and everyone who believed in me enough. We did some amazing things, and I hope I left the sport better than when I found it.”

While he didn't mention his next destination, he did write that he's "looking forward to a little time off and preparing for my next adventure…" NASCAR has also not announced a replacement yet.

Despite the criticism, many have also credited Jacuzzi with the Next-Gen car leveling the field. They felt that the current car gives opportunities for underdogs to grab the spotlight in comparison to the days when a handful dominated week in and week out. 

NASCAR's attempt to fix superspeedway racing

Racing at superspeedways has been defined recently by an anti-racing fuel-saving tactic where drivers often lift off the throttle for longer stages to increase fuel efficiency. Another aspect has been the difference in speeds for cars running in clean air as opposed to running in the pack. 

To tackle these changes, the packages that will be seen in Daytona are updated to tackle and reduce drag and, in turn, the falloff while switching to clean air to make moves. 

The changes will come in the form of a reduction of the rear spoiler from 7 to 4 inches. This means the size of the vacuum created by the car in front is reduced, allowing drivers to get out of the vacuum and maintain pace more easily. 

Another change is the reduction in horsepower from 510 to 465hp. According to NASCAR, the combination of these changes should create an increase in speed by 3mph.

 That minor increase over the course of the race should ideally provide more overtaking opportunities, tackling the speed difference in running in clean air and running in the pack. 

Do you think the upcoming changes are in the correct direction? Let us know.

Read more at RFK Racing Digest.

Written by

Debrup Chaudhuri

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason