More 2003 Pontiac News UPDATE and some more: Winston Cup series director John Darby confirmed Friday morning NASCAR has examined a completed 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix and finished its initial analysis. “We basically have completed a walk-around view of it and an initial template fit,” Darby said. “Weve talked about some different areas of the car, which they are now going back and going to work on. The next step from them will be to make an official presentation and the car will go to the wind tunnel and then for a track test.” The final presentation by Pontiac officials must be complete by July 1, with NASCAR making final approval by Oct. 1. #18 crew chief Jimmy Makar said he hoped to have a final version of the 2003 Pontiac within a month-and-half. “Well have something we feel we can submit by then,” Makar said. “Things are gong well. Weve been to the wind tunnel several times, NASCAR has looked at the car. I think all the beginning process is done.” Darby also confirmed officials with Chevrolet have indicated they, too, plan to submit changes to the Monte Carlo body style in time to use in the 2003 season.(ThatsRacin.com), see some images of a [possible] 2003 Pontiac on my NASCAR Past News/Rules page(4-12-2002) UPDATE: The final version is still in the works, but the 2003 Pontiac is being reviewed by officials. The car could be submitted for NASCAR approval within six weeks. Right now, NASCAR officials are taking a look at the preliminary model and making suggestions for potential changes. The car has a unique nose, but is in many ways similar to existing cars competing in the series. “[NASCAR has] seen it, they’ve been in the wind tunnel with it,” said Bobby Labonte’s crew chief, Jimmy Makar, who has helped develop the car. “They’ve told us the things they want us to change on it. I think they’re fairly happy with what we’ve got now.” Makar said the NASCAR track test could take place at Atlanta Motor Speedway.(Richmond Times Dispatch) AND NASCAR held a wind-tunnel test last week of Pontiac’s new common-template Grand Prix, and to study some of its 2003 car design options, particularly the ‘big greenhouse’ model, which would provide more headroom. NASCAR would like to cut 20 percent of the downforce off these cars for next season, according to engineering sources, and part of the testing so far has included raising the front air dam five inches off the asphalt.(Winston Salem Journal)(4-13-2002)
