The newest offseason controversy is out. This time, it has to do with NASCAR and mufflers. Kyle Larson wants cars to be quieter. For those who have been to a NASCAR race, you know how loud it is. That’s part of the appeal, but have the Next Gen cars become too loud?
While NASCAR was at Phoenix Raceway this week for a short track test, they messed around with the mufflers. Rearranging the ductwork, NASCAR was hoping to improve heat issues in the car for drivers as well as reduce the noise made by the cars.
Amid the changes, Kyle Larson seemed to appreciate the muffler swap the most. He said that as far as cooling goes, he didn’t notice a difference in the car. However, the sound was the takeaway for him.
“I haven’t felt, really, a heat difference. I could definitely tell a sound difference, which I like,” Larson said, via NASCAR.com. Larson continued, “I definitely think our race cars are way too loud – and probably are still too loud with the mufflers. … I think the cars could be quieter to help the fan experience.”
Now, that sounds scary to some. People hear “quieter” and they immediately think “silent” or “electric.” But if you’ve heard these new cars in person, they are deafening. At a superspeedway, it isn’t that big of a deal, you get a break as the cars drive a mile away from you or more.
When you get on these small tracks, places like Richmond, Bristol, Martinsville – the noise is unavoidable. Even hearing protection can only do so much for extended periods of time.
For what it’s worth, here is a side-by-side of the two different muffler set ups.