Yes, I’m a huge NASCAR fan (#48). NASCAR is in the process of debuing their “Car Of Tomorrow” (COT) right now at Bristol. The COT was largely sparked by the death of Dale Earnhardt to improve the safety of NASCAR. I’m very interested to see how the teams and drivers like it in a real race situation.
The major difference that most fans will notice the the adjustable wing on the rear of the car, just like a street racer. There is also an air splitter on the front of the car that most fans will not notice. These devices adjust the downforce on the front and rear of the car. Since both of these are adjustable, teams will no longer have to build whole cars specific to certain tracks. A car will, hopefully, be able to race short track one week and super speedway the next with a few adjustments to these two devices. This is NASCAR’s way of making racing more affordable for the teams, they will need less cars.
The major safety enhancements are not really noticable to the fans at all. The whole car is a little bit more square to catch more air and slow down the racing. The pitch of the windshield is more vertical for the same reason. The cars are 2″ taller, 4″ wider, the roll cage is 3″ further back, and the drivers seat is 4″ closer to the center of the car. Overall, the car is bigger and less aerodynamic.
(Sorry…I have to break into race mode. We’re under caution at Bristol. The restart will be a green, white, checker. Kyle Busch is in the front with bad tires. His teammate Jeff Gordon is right behind him with fresh tires. Will he let Kyle win it for the good of the team…hell no…here we go. Gordon tries and fails, Burton passes Gordon…Busch, Burton, Gordon…1,2,3. Kyle Busch wins the first COT race. Is he the DOT (Driver Of Tomorrow). Great race, back to the article…)
There are a couple other major changes. The exhaust is now on the right side to keep some heat away from the driver and stay clear of the catch can man. Also, the air intake is under the front bumper to prevent overheating due to clogged grills. The clogged grills was getting to be a huge problem, I hope the new intake works.
We should hear some driver and team reaction in a little while. I’ll give you an update once some opinions come out. Will the COT be put into the race schedule full time for 2008 or will in be pushed to 2009?
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