Aero Changes for Talladega? UPDATEs: FSN’s Totally NASCAR reports that Ford’s spoiler size will be decreased and that the change would help the Pontiacs (??)(9-27-2001) UPDATE: NASCAR officials do not plan to make a change to the aerodynamic package used at Talladega Superspeedway prior to the Oct. 21 race, but they are giving a break to the Ford teams. The Fords are getting an allowance on the rear spoiler, cutting three-quarters of an inch from each side. This change is designed to help the manufacturer remain competitive with other makes. “[There’s] a possibility of one other small tweak to another make of the same thing,” Nelson said. “We’re waiting on one other piece of data to make that decision.”(Richmond Times Dispatch)(10-8-2001) UPDATE 2: NASCAR will make aerodynamic alterations to the Ford Taurus and Pontiac Grand Prix for the upcoming Winston Cup race at Talladega. The Fords rear spoiler will be reduced from 57 inches to 55 ½ inches, while the Pontiacs roof air deflector will be lowered 1/8 of a inch, from 1 3/8 inches to 1 ¼ inches.(NASCAR.com Buzz)(10-13-2001) UPDATE 3: NASCAR has informed Winston Cup teams of two slight rules changes for the package that will be in place at next week’s EA Sports 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Ford teams will be allowed to trim the width of their rear spoilers from 57 inches to 55½ inches. The 1½-inch reduction is designed to reduce the drag on a Taurus as it races on the 2.66-mile track. Pontiac also will be allowed a slight reduction on the size of the roof blade of its Grand Prix. The blade will be trimmed one-eighth of an inch to 1¼ inches. Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge will continue to race with 1 3/8-inch blades.(That’s Racin’)(10-14-2001)
