Christopher Bell raised a hot topic in NASCAR Wednesday.
Literally a hot topic.
NASCAR is considering using mufflers on its cars for races in big cities such as Chicago and Los Angeles. Six race teams tested the mufflers, along with some other minor modifications, at Phoenix Raceway Wednesday.
Bell, who finished third in the NASCAR Cup Series standings last season, said the mufflers greatly increased heat inside his car. That’s a concern given the interior of cars can reach 140 degrees.
“It was hot, hot, hot, hot, hot,” Bell told Fox Sports reporter Bob Pockrass. “It was a great back to back (comparison) from yesterday with no mufflers to today with mufflers. Just in the garage area, sitting there through changes, it was super hot today, and yesterday it was nothing. Even at the end of the test (today) we took the mufflers off and I went back to not even sweating.”
“Today it was 50 degrees and everyone was bundled up in hoodies, and I’m in the car sweating. All the other drivers felt the same. It’s going to be super hot if we take that same package and go race anywhere.”
Christopher Bell said the mufflers increased heat inside the car and that will continue to need to be worked on. He was happy with the last aero package tested of the 2-inch spoiler and other changes underneath the car. pic.twitter.com/9l49RHPB6p
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 26, 2023
This situation might not pose a problem at NASCAR’s Busch Light Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a night race in February. But heat would be an issue at the Chicago Street Race on July 2, as the temperature at race time could be in the 80s or even 90s.
That’s why they hold these preseason tests, however, to troubleshoot these potential problems.
On a positive note, Bell said the mufflers did make the cars a “lot more quiet” in the garage area, although he could not tell any difference on the track.
