NASCAR is looking at the problem. One potential solution they are working on is the so-called "Car of Tomorrow" concept, which is a generic race car that all teams would be forced to use. It is boxier and higher than current rides and has a different front end aero package. Opinions are mixed. Basically, it is designed to be safer, but it could also address the plate race issue. Another problem is that the plate races are very exciting compared to the normal superspeedway races. Watching guys lap for three hours with a few easy passes and then have the race decided on fuel economy or tire strategy is about as boring as it gets. So NASCAR probably hates to lose the drama of a huge, tight pack with constant passing, which a plate race gives you.
But I liked the non plate races better. The best guy could pull away if he had the power. Then his tires start going away and now the dilemma is - do I pit now or hope for a wreck and change tires then. Or if the guy didn't have the power, but handled better, he could slingshot by, and on the last lap, win. You just don't see that any more. A guy pulls outa line and g'bye, back of the line for you... Nope, old races were better - but agreed they were getting too fast - that's why I would say different aero, but all the power you can make. And if you blow making all that power - your choice to push it that hard...
The Car of Tomorrow (COT) represents nothing more than a money grab by NASCAR. You can spell the name of the money grab D ... I ... E ... C ... A ... S ... T Model Cars. Of course, marketing the COT under the guise of safety and 'common template' (read parity) obstructs the real interests of NASCAR and the France Family - MONEY! Greedy Bastards. - Spydertrader
Most insane no restricter races were in the 30s on the autobahn. I've seen pics on the internet - streamlined cars might have been Audis or whatever the predecessor was called. They were going way, way over 200 and airborne from wind gusts. Hitler ordered an end to the carnage.
Those were special built? I remember seeing shows on the old (30's) Auto Union cars were supercharged and like 1000 Hp on about 2000 lbs. WILD !! I think the guys at Talledega and Daytona were around 220 avg at one point. That started the plate races... Dudes were scared...
I have to agree with you. I don't know enough about the tech side to know what the difference is, but the old time Daytona races were awesome. Guys would play for the last turn slingshot. For some reason that doesn't happen any more. You may be correct on what would change things for the better. Less aero, more motor. Another thing I don't understand is why drafting is so essential at the plate races but is not a big deal on the superspeedways, ie the ubiquitous and boring 1 1/2 mile tracks. The speeds there are actually higher than at the plate races. You would think drafting would be even more important, but it's not.
From what I've read, the concept is extremely unpopular with most fans. The COT I saw was butt ugly. I'd hate to see 43 of them lined up.
As I recall, we already have a racing series with identical cars. They named it IROC (International Race of Champions). Can't for the life me understand why NASCAR thinks we need another. - Spydertrader
This afternoon, NASCAR announced additional penalties for Chad Knaus and the #48 Lowes Chevy. Interestingly, Hall of Fame Racing received a points deduction for their infraction (an illegal carburetor part), but Chad Knaus did not. Favoritism? - Spydertrader
Couldnt find a reason as to why the points deduction only went to Labonte. I'd like to hear an explanation!