Some 2003 Rules stuff: On Friday NASCAR released a 15-page technical bulletin outlining the rules as theyll apply to the cars thatll compete in the 2003 season. Some of it: The highlight of the document is the two – three pages covering the specifics of the ignition system, its installation and wiring into the car. The key word in regards to the whole ignition system is visibility. Whether it be the wiring or the newly specified, removable mounting plate that will contain the ignition electronics, the MSD boxes and supporting hardware, the ignition boxes must be visible through the car’ side windows. The wires leading to the boxes must also be visible through the side windows. Wire gauges and the routing must provide an inch of give in each wire so that NASCAR inspectors can tug each wire to assure there is nothing illegal tied into the ignition system. The dashboard itself must have an access panel to allow NASCAR inspectors easy entry to areas under the dash to view any present wiring systems. The ignition boxes are to be NASCAR approved and are subject to any testing that NASCAR might deem necessary including any destructive tests the sanctioning body might care to do as part of their post-race testing. Also included in the bulletin are a few new intake manifolds numbers, with Chevy getting two and Ford getting one. The new Ford part number is Edelbrock 2938. The new GM part carries Edlebrock number 2862 (replacing Edlebrock 2923) and GM number 889586217 (replacing GM 12370854). Each manufacturer has only five NASCAR approved intakes from which to choose. Another non-surprise was the standard body mounting location as referenced to the vertical centerline of the rear axle housing. This is standard for all makes and brands. All 2003 car makes will carry a 1.5-inch maximum kickout on the nose. All 2003 models will run a 6.25-inch x 55-inch rear spoiler. No angle was specified in a downforce configuration, but the working number for the speedway setting is 55 degrees. The rear spoilers of the 2001 and 2002 models were all reduced by a half-inch regardless of make. Again, this pertains to the downforce configuration of the cars. One interesting item is that all approved carbon fiber seats must have a unique imbedded electronic transponder identifier that matches records on file with NASCAR. The transponder will help NASCAR track the composite seats, which can be compromised in a severe wreck but display no outward indication of lost integrity.(See much more at Ford Racing)(11-3-2002)
