Wednesday afternoon, NASCAR announced a new rule change for the Cup Series for the remaining short tracks of the season. Starting at North Wilkesboro on July 19th, and followed by Richmond, Bristol, and Martinsville, NASCAR has made changes to the cars’ front bumpers.

NASCAR has announced the removal of the energy-absorbing bumper foam, a key component that maintains the shape of the front fascias in today’s Cup Series cars. The reasoning? The series does not want drivers plowing into others without consequence. Now, if a driver slams into the car in front of them, their car will be damaged.

This comes after many drivers have voiced frustration with the violent impacts into the corners at short tracks.

Image: Julian Wayne/ SFM