There were several hot topics during the January 22-23 [Atlanta] test, none caused a bigger stir than recent rule changes for the Craftsman Trucks.
*Approved Spacer – New for 2008; NASCAR has implemented a cone-shaped spacer that sits between the intake manifold and carburetor, limiting air flow into the engine and resulting in a loss of approximately 60 horsepower. Both drivers and crew chiefs at the AMS test all agreed the recent addition has sent teams scrambling for more power. Hard Tires and Low Gears – It is estimated that the use of the approved spacer along with a harder Goodyear tire and a NASCAR mandated lower rear end gear ratio will create up to an 80 horsepower drop. These changes could help most internal parts of an engine last longer than one race, possibly saving teams hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.
* Smaller Fuel Cells and Extra Tires Mean More Pit Stops – The Craftsman Truck Series will be using a smaller, 18-gallon fuel cell for the 2008 season. The smaller fuel cell will result in more pit stops and NASCAR has allowed teams an extra set of tires to help with the added stops. “The smaller cells and extra set of tires could make things a little dicey there at the end,” [Rick] Wren said smiling. “If a caution comes out at the end, which is likely to happen at AMS, everyone is going to have new tires and be bunched up. If that happens, watch out because it’s is going to be a show.”(Atlanta Motor Speedway PR)(1-24-2008)
