By Ryan - Posted on January 13, 2010
For several decades, spectators have been thrilled by the excitement and speed of NASCAR racing. They cheer as the winner crosses the finish line underneath the checkered flag and he celebrates with an amazing show of squealing tires and smoke; they gasp whenever a car flips over and over, until the driver emerges without a scratch. These are the moments that true racing fans wait for.
Every so often, NASCAR ponders changing the rules, either to add more entertainment, improve the safety for drivers, or enhance the performance of the cars. For example, in 2008, NASCAR implemented 2 pit rules to ensure the safety of the pit crews and the drivers. Pit crews are no longer permitted to push start a stalled vehicle the entire length of the pit row. Instead, they can only push the vehicle a short distance. The other rule that was implemented is that when outside tires are removed, they must be hand rolled to the inside wall. They cannot be free rolled. This eliminates possible interaction with other pit members and vehicles.
Another change that NASCAR has implemented over the years has been the addition of a rear spoiler. They were raised about 1 ½ to 2 inches above the car frame and were used to create downforce to help stabilize the vehicle through the corners under very high speeds. Spoilers weren’t very popular with drivers as there were very strict regulations regarding the shape and size. Eventually, spoilers were replaced with rear wings in 2007, with the introduction of the Car of Tomorrow (COT). One of the many goals NASCAR hoped to achieve with the introduction of the COT was to help teams reduce costs with their overall car inventory. The rear wing was one economical option for use in this newly designed car. However, the rear wing has created vision issues for many of the drivers.
This year, NASCAR is entertaining the idea of bringing back the rear spoiler. This is certainly a topic of great debate and it will be interesting to see how this saga will play out.
NASCAR is planning on testing the COT with a rear spoiler to see if it actually improves the performance and handling. The decision will be announced shortly before the new season begins. Fans will be waiting with baited breath to see what NASCAR decides.
