Smaller Spoiler? and Bigger Greenhouse?: NASCAR officials intends to decrease the size of the cars’ spoilers significantly and end what has become an aerodynamic war among manufacturers. If the measure works, the racing should become more mechanically dependent, meaning there will be a greater emphasis on engines and shocks and less on body style. After drivers ran smaller spoilers in recent tests at Kansas Speedway, NASCAR discovered that Goodyear must develop a tire with more grip to accommodate the loss of rear downforce. AND NASCAR is working with Altair Engineering in Troy, MI, to develop a larger greenhouse — two inches taller and wider — that should make the cars and drivers safer. GM isn’t thrilled that the design isn’t expected to be ready until next season because it is building and testing 2003 Pontiacs and Monte Carlos and likely will be forced to alter them.(Sporting News)(6-11-2002)
