The Daytona 500 will be the first time a CoT (Car of Today) will race in the most prestigious of stock-car races.
It marks a new era in NASCAR by creating a very dramatic change to the cars race fans have been supporting for many years. The overall acceptance of this change by the fan or competitor is yet to be determined. In this column, we’ll take a look at some of the differences from the CoY (Car of Yesterday) and it’s effect on the race.
All indicators point to a better race on restrictor-plate tracks with the CoT. There are several reasons for this. One of the biggest reasons is that NASCAR has implemented a bigger restrictor plate, thus giving the cars more horsepower.
In the past, it was very difficult, if not impossible, to pull out and pass another car unless you had a partner in the draft with you. That’s still going to hold true but won’t be as exaggerated as before because of the added horsepower.
The gear rule, which has been in effect for three years, will also help the racing on the track. This rule was implemented for two reasons. First, to control engine RPM and second, to save cost by limiting the number of gear ratios teams need to buy.
I’ve never been a supporter of rules like this because it tightens the control by the sanctioning bodies and makes things closer to “spec racing,” which takes more out of the hands of the crew chiefs and engineers.
Although, I have to admit, it was a good decision to implement this particular rule. It keeps engine RPM’s in check, saves teams money, and helps gear suppliers be more profitable from the standpoint that we don’t have to carry as much inventory.
It’s been a good rule for everyone. Probably the best part of it, is that it has allowed NASCAR to tailor the gear ratio to the tracks for the best performance.
NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Director John Darby has done a very good job of monitoring engine RPM and picking the right ratio. What you’ll see at Daytona is that cars will be turning a few more revs and this will help passing. The two ratios for Daytona, selected by Darby, will be a 3.64 and a 3.70.
Because of the added power and revs, the CoT can have more downforce. With the CoY, the car had to be as free and neutral as the driver can stand. This made “white knuckle” racing for the driver. One little bump or slip and the “Big One” was happening. The CoT is much more stable and secure, making it better for the driver and the race.
The teams must run a spec rear spring-and-shock package furnished by NASCAR. This eliminates the teams using extreme rebound control and soft springs to squat the rear of the car. This was done on the CoY to get the rear spoiler out of the air, thus reducing a tremendous amount of drag, which also made the car very free and neutral. This has less effect on the CoT because it has a rear wing instead of the spoiler, thus it has less inherent drag.
The bodies are now all the same with no room for adjustment. The front splitter can be moved very slightly, but you won’t see drastic work on the body shape like in the past. It is much easier for tech and less work for the teams. It will probably make for a better race.
Are all these changes and rules better for the sport? Only time will tell. Race fans will be the judges.