badjuju342
04-04-2006, 06:26 AM
Looks like NASCAR will be blurring the lines further between manufacturers with the "Car of Tommorrow'. Basically, cookie cutter bodies with features designed to aerodynamically slow the cars down , wider bodies to accomodate more safety equipment and an offset suspension to the left to give the driver more of a barrier to in the event of a left side collision . They're even discussing doing away with the convential rear spoiler and using a wing instead. While auto manufacturers will still be able to use decals to suggest a particular brand of car , the similarities end there. After the 2008 season , different bodies will be a thing of the past. Also note that Toyota will be fielding entries in Nextel Cup in the 2007 season.
Personally , I have mixed feelings about this . While increased driver safety and leveling the playing field are great ideas, I think that NASCAR might be straying too far from it's roots and might hurt the innovation and excitement that is the sport.
They have announced a limited schedule for the COT in '07 , more apperances in '08 and will be used in all races in '09 . More info:
http://insiderracingnews.com/PR2006/PreSeason/012306a.html
http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/nascar/22763/
In an interview with CEO Brian France , he speaks of an "Engine of Tommorrow" , what does this mean to the future of NASCAR?
http://www.nascar.com/2005/races/tune_in/05/13/claireb.bfrance/index.html
Finally , teams have been issued rulebooks and here's a pic to show how dramtically different the cars are from current race bodies:
http://www.nascar.com/2006/news/headlines/cup/03/24/rwallace.cot.bristol/index.html
I really just don't what to think of this.
Personally , I have mixed feelings about this . While increased driver safety and leveling the playing field are great ideas, I think that NASCAR might be straying too far from it's roots and might hurt the innovation and excitement that is the sport.
They have announced a limited schedule for the COT in '07 , more apperances in '08 and will be used in all races in '09 . More info:
http://insiderracingnews.com/PR2006/PreSeason/012306a.html
http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/nascar/22763/
In an interview with CEO Brian France , he speaks of an "Engine of Tommorrow" , what does this mean to the future of NASCAR?
http://www.nascar.com/2005/races/tune_in/05/13/claireb.bfrance/index.html
Finally , teams have been issued rulebooks and here's a pic to show how dramtically different the cars are from current race bodies:
http://www.nascar.com/2006/news/headlines/cup/03/24/rwallace.cot.bristol/index.html
I really just don't what to think of this.