MOTOR SPORTS

3rd aero package test NASCAR announced Thursday it will again test its 2017 aerodynamic package at Michigan International Speedway in August. The aero package — which includes less downforce than the new, low downforce setup introduced this season — has already been tested at Michigan’s first race in June and at Kentucky Speedway in July. “This will be the package we run in 2017, but there are some things we haven’t tried with it,” said Gene Stefanyshyn, NASCAR’s vice president of innovation and racing development. The package, which Stefanyshyn said helps cars manage corners better, was used to generally positive reviews by drivers at the first Michigan race and Kentucky. But Stefanyshyn said some drivers thought the balance between the fronts and rears of their cars needed some slight work. Protection coming in ’ 18 The governing body of world motor sports said frontal cockpit protection will be introduced for Formula One cars, although not before the 2018 season to allow for more testing. The F1 Strategy Group that includes Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone, six leading teams and FIA President Jean Todt agreed on the move after a meeting in Geneva. Drivers, who spoke strongly in favor of the “Halo” system on Thursday, said they were hoping it would come into force next season. FIA said that because there was relatively little time until the next season, it would be best to use the remainder of this year and early next year “to further evaluate the full potential of all options before final confirmation.”