NASCAR VP of vehicle performance announces departure

Dr. Eric Jacuzzi, who had served as vice president of vehicle performance for NASCAR since 2023, has announced his departure from the organization.

Jacuzzi, but had been in the sport for 13 years, serving in various roles in the aerodynamics department induring his tenure with NASCAR. He was one of the key members responsible for developing aero packages, as well as the sport taking a modified Next Gen car, Garage 56, to the 24 Hours of Le Mans (pictured above).

The post came via LinkedIn and a picture of the Garage 56 car with his hard card on the hood. The post read, “Bittersweet but after 13 years at NASCAR it’s time for something different. Last officials hard card for me! Cannot thank my colleagues and everyone who believed in me enough. We did some amazing things, and I hope I left the sport better than when I found it.

“I had some amazing teammates who I could not have done any of it without. Especially want to thank TotalSim US for all of their help in so many different projects over the years. Looking forward to a little time off and preparing for my next adventure.”

Jacuzzi joined NASCAR in 2014. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 2012 with a degree in Aerospace Engineering, and earned his Ph.D. from NC State University.

Jacuzzi also recently assisted the USA Luge team in a partnership with NASCAR. In doing so, he was involved in designing a sled for the Winter Olympics.

Chris Popiela, who has worked closely with Jacuzzi and the aerodynamics team, will step into the leadership role. Popiela has been with NASCAR for almost a decade and is the managing director of aerodynamics.