Ryan Blaney Praises NASCAR's New Darlington Aero Package

The changes aimed at reducing downforce and increasing horsepower led to an exciting race, though passing remained difficult.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 5:55am

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The new short-track aero package, which debuted earlier this season at Phoenix, returned to Darlington Raceway for the Goodyear 400 on Sunday. While some drivers felt the improvements were minimal, Ryan Blaney praised the package, saying he was able to "make it angry" and pass cars more easily than in the past. However, issues with his pit crew prevented Blaney from finishing higher than third. Other drivers, like Denny Hamlin and Tyler Reddick, were more critical, noting that the package still favored track position over passing. The package will be tested again this weekend at Martinsville as NASCAR looks to continue improving the racing.

Why it matters

NASCAR has been experimenting with different aero packages in an effort to improve the on-track product and create more passing opportunities, especially at short tracks like Darlington. The reactions from drivers provide valuable feedback as the sanctioning body works to strike the right balance between downforce, horsepower, and tire fall-off to promote better racing.

The details

The new package focused on reducing downforce and increasing horsepower, but with Darlington's narrow racing groove, the improvements were limited. Ryan Blaney was one of the few drivers who praised the changes, saying he was able to "make it angry" and pass cars more easily. However, issues with his pit crew prevented him from finishing higher than third. Other drivers, like Denny Hamlin and race winner Tyler Reddick, felt the package still favored track position over passing ability.

  • The new short-track aero package debuted earlier this season at Phoenix.
  • The package was used at Darlington Raceway for the Goodyear 400 on Sunday, March 23, 2026.
  • The package will be tested again this weekend at Martinsville Speedway.

The players

Ryan Blaney

A NASCAR Cup Series driver who drives for Team Penske and praised the new aero package, saying he was able to pass cars more easily.

Denny Hamlin

A NASCAR Cup Series driver who was more critical of the package, saying it still favored track position over passing ability.

Tyler Reddick

The winner of the Goodyear 400 at Darlington, who said he couldn't defend as well as he could have with the old package.

Ryan Preece

An RFK Racing driver who suggested more tire testing be done, as he thinks Goodyear can be even more aggressive with the tire fall-off.

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What they’re saying

“I thought the package was really fun. You could kind of make it angry, and you were going to pay the price, and that stuff is pretty good. I think it was the first time in my Cup career that I have let guys go on a restart or on a green flag cycle, and I said to myself, I'm going to see you in about 20. That happened multiple times.”

— Ryan Blaney, NASCAR Cup Series driver

“I couldn't defend as well as I could have with the old package.”

— Tyler Reddick, NASCAR Cup Series driver

“Goodyear can be even more aggressive with the tire fall-off.”

— Ryan Preece, RFK Racing driver

What’s next

The new aero package will be tested again this weekend at Martinsville Speedway, providing further clarity on its impact on the racing.

The takeaway

NASCAR's continued experimentation with aero packages shows its commitment to improving the on-track product, even if the changes don't always lead to drastic improvements. Drivers like Ryan Blaney see potential in the new package, while others remain skeptical, highlighting the challenge of finding the right balance to promote better racing.