Harvick wants short track wins after rule changes

For Stewart-Haas Racing and the team’s No. 4 driver, Kevin Harvick, reverting back to old rules is a welcome change.

“I feel like we’re in a way different spot than we were last year,” Harvick said. “I don’t think any of us were very excited about the rules package and the way 2018 ended for us because we felt like we were in a good position to win a championship.”

In January, NASCAR announced rule changes for the 2020 season. The changes were primarily aimed at reducing downforce and increasing driver input on short tracks and road courses. The rules feature a return to those implemented two years ago, and a shift away from a massive package overhaul last season.

What Harvick likes about the latest set of rules changes, he said, is how they will impact short-track racing. The 2020 package includes “significantly smaller spoilers, splitters and other aerodynamic devices,” according to NASCAR. It will affect six short tracks, including three tracks where Harvick won races under similar rules two years ago.

“For us, going back to that 2018 style, with the short spoiler and the short splitter, (helps),” said Harvick, who finished third in points behind NASCAR Cup Series winner Kyle Busch and second-place Martin Truex Jr last season. “There are still some differences we’ll have to adapt to, but from a short track standpoint I feel like we should be better with this particular package than we were with last year’s package.”