Just a couple of weeks ago, NASCAR introduced updated packages for short track and road courses for the 2024 season. While the target is to improve racing at these tracks, it has taken aback Ford and Toyota. The announcement came after the two manufacturers submitted their new car designs for NASCAR’s approval.

What’s shocking from the manufacturer’s point of view is that, despite their involvement in the potential new rule changes, this revelation comes as news to them. Moreover, this has left both camps puzzled.

Toyota and Ford left confused by NASCAR introducing new rules for the 2024 season

It is worth noting that since 2015, NASCAR has curtailed on-track testing. With the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the wind tunnel, and other resources, all manufacturers have the same tools to test and develop the bodies. Unsurprisingly, all of them are virtual.

This year, both Toyota Racing Development and Ford Performance debut their new iterations of their respective Camry and Mustang cars. However, with just one on-track test, they have had limited time to evaluate. NASCAR conducted an organizational test in Phoenix last December.

The test turned out to be a productive one for both manufacturers. As reported by motorsports.com, TRD president David Wilson looked quite pleased. He said, “We did a couple little mock racing runs, and Christopher (Bell) went from the back to the front. When he was in front, he gapped the field. It’s the only data point we have, and everyone felt good.”

With its new Ford Mustang Dark Horse, even their team’s leader, Richard Johns, felt more or less the same. With Ford’s championship triumph in the last two seasons, Johns and his team only look more confident this year. He said, “All of our metrics point to it being an improvement from last year and from 2022.”

Johns continued, “We try to get (the car) better across the board with the new submission. If we didn’t think we came in with a target on our backs last year (after winning the 2022 title), we certainly do this year.” However, the new package introduced by NASCAR changed things for both Ford and Toyota.

WATCH THIS STORY: Toyota’s Bold Move With The New Camry XSE Takes on Ford’s Mustang Dark Horse

Despite being involved in the collaborative process from the start with NASCAR, the two manufacturers submitted their new car designs without being aware of the new rules.

Ford and Toyota keep their fingers crossed with NASCAR’s updated package

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NASCAR’s new rule involves running a simplified diffuser at all tracks 1 mile in length or shorter except Bristol and Dover. However, the designs submitted by Ford and Toyota do not factor in this change. Speaking about it, TRD President David Wilson remained cautious but also optimistic at the same time.

He said, “With the rear diffuser, they’ve taken some downforce off the car. We think we’re going to be OK. Cautiously optimistic, but I think we’re the same as everybody else holding our breath a little bit at the same time to see what we see once we get to Phoenix (for the race in March).”

Even Ford Performance team leader Richard Johns spoke on similar lines. He said, “Now, the OEMs and NASCAR are working together on rules packages and trying to improve racing and all that goes into it including safety, much closer than we ever have before.”

Toyota Executive Claims the New Camry Is the “Best Body” by Them Despite Major Public Outrage

Johns continued as he expressed his surprise at NASCAR introducing the package in this fashion. He said, “But the actual package, we didn’t see that coming. We didn’t know where it was going to go until we got to Phoenix (for the test). Not having that information, we couldn’t chase that in the design. We feel like we’re in our optimum spot with what we got but when packages change, we have to adapt and evolve.” It’s an unexpected change for both manufacturers. Hopefully, it does not hamper their new design approval.