Full Throttle

Mike Mulhern of Journal Now has had a reputation of being at the forefront of all things NASCAR, today he takes on the issue of corporate support for NASCAR’s Car of the Future:

NASCAR’s proposed “car of the future” appears to be dead in the water for the moment. Detroit car makers are putting on hold their own operations for the time being, saying that NASCAR executives aren’t offering any clear directions on body configurations or timetables.

NASCAR has planned an exhibition here today of its own in-house built version of the car, which was originally set to debut this fall at Talladega. But it appears no other stock-car teams will be participating.

Another test of the car of the future in its quite different downforce configuration is expected in the next few days at Homestead, although it’s still unclear how many, if any, NASCAR teams will participate.

As noted previously the “different downforce configuration” entails a rear spoiler (Wing?) that “sits up off the deck lid a ways” according to Cup Series Director John Darby. There are no pictures available but I presume it’s a much smaller version of the old Superbird and Daytona wings of the early 70’s, but that’s just a guess on my part.

Obviously the biggest news in this piece is the lack of support for the CoF by the sports manufacturers.

NASCAR’s Engine of the Future was pretty much pronounced dead last June by both the engine builders and car owners. In addition the sanctioning body, and using their own form of “logic”, decided it was “best” if the Eof and Cof were both brought online for the 2007 season. (No further comment needed - ed)

Without support from the auto makers the CoF is nothing but a Brian France pipe dream, there is no other way to put it.

As long time readers know I have given zero support for the project. The basic premise is correct. More frontal crush zones for safety and a much “dirtier” aero package are worthy goals. But there is no reason they can’t be achieved in a skin that looks closer to what is on track now. A quick look at the pictures from the last CoF test proves they didn’t make the slightest attempt at providing a skin that resembles a showroom vehicle.

Never being an apologist for Detroit I won’t defend their accusation that no timetable or body configuration has been given by NASCAR. It’s bunk, France and boys has been fairly straight forward on 2007 being the debut. Although it can be expected with something so radically different to have constant changes in the skin I don’t believe Detroit has bulked because of it.

It’s that damn cow-catcher bumper and “splitter” that has raised hairs on the necks of so many Detroit CEOs, CFOs and marketing types. Until those two “features” go Detroit will give tepid support at best. Considering their current and acute case of cash hemophilia that support may be less than zero.

In that case Mulhern may be correct: The King CoF is dead, long live the King CoF.

UPDATE: John Newsom A/K/A The Spotter reports Dustin Long was on scene for the CoF test that only had Brett Bodine on track and says “engineers and officials from the manufacturers are looking at it [the new wing] with wonder - kind of like man first discovering fire.” John has also posted a photo of the new wing configuration. (Disclaimer: For those with a traditionalist view of NASCAR, or just have a weak stomach please note the air sick bag in the rear pocket of the Lazy-Boy immediately in front of you. Thank you for “flyin’” Full Throttle - ed)

Some additional thoughts: Remember way back when, the pre-Chase 2003 season, when Chevy dominated the season winning 19 of 36 events? It should have never happened, in 2001 NASCAR set about a scheme called “aero-matching.” The NASCAR Big-Wigs said it would prevent what occured in ‘03 and level the playing field. (Where have I heard that before?)

.As it was then the current crop of NASCAR racers must fit templates. 32 templates are currently in use to standardize the cars in the inspection process, 18 are the same for all three makes. The greenhouse (including the slope of the rear window), side panels, fenders, hoods, and rear decks are identical.

But do what amounts to IROC-like bodies really improve competition? NASCAR has been making the cars more and more alike using a common template for over a decade. They also point gleefully at stats on the number of different winners and the total lead changes. I contend they use a new “NASCAR only math,” and rules changes like pit roads remaining closed until the entire field is under a single umbrella, erratic use of “debris” yellow flags and the latest abberration, the “Lucky Dog” (Lucky Mongrel?) that create the illusion of better competition.

Now I ask this question: Can anyone with reasonable thinking skills make a valid arguement that what is on the speedways now will be improved competition wise with a Car of the Future (Car of Tomorrow in NASCAR-speak) that obviously dilutes the difference between makes in a quantum leap over todays cars?

NASCAR quite plainly believes it can and is betting the sports future on the CoF. I continue in my failure to see a postitive end result in producing an IROC style “cookie-cutter” race car.

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