NASCAR Calls for More Wrecks, More Fights, Kickass Retro Spoilers

Posted by: Nick Stej

NASCAR will be implementing several key rules changes for the 2010 Sprint Cup season in an attempt to win back bored fans.  These rules changes include the decriminalization of bump drafting in turns, the allowance of more contact, and the eventual return of the classic rear spoiler.

Bump drafting is a necessary evil on superspeedways, as some contact is essential in both drafting and nudging cars out of the way for passing.  Bumping enhances the standard drafting technique by pushing the lead car forward while pulling the trail car, increasing the speed of both cars.

However, bump drafting through turns at speeds nearing 200 mph can break loose the back wheels of the lead car, occasionally resulting in a spin.  As closely as these new cars are packed on superspeedways as a result of the parity created by restrictor plates and a common body template, minor crashes can quickly turn catastrophic.

Fighting amongst drivers is a by-product of bump drafting and the crashes that ultimately result.  Although this isn’t the NHL or the WWE, fans do appreciate a couple of them good ol’ boys throwing hands in the pits.  After all, the 1979 Daytona 500 was a turning point for NASCAR thanks to a nationally televised infield brawl between Cale Yarborough and the Allison brothers as Richard Petty crossed the line for the win.

Last week NASCAR President Mike Helton (link to video, left) explained the leniency that should provide more exciting racing through driver self-policing, of course at the risk of more crashes and fights.  It will be nice to see drivers get a little rough without being black flagged or docked Chase points.  It is essential that NASCAR maintains this Rubbin’ is Racin’ mentality.

(full press conference transcript)

The lack of crashes and fights (read: ACTION) in ’09 led to a deep dip in television ratings, prompting these changes.  No one wants to watch stock cars drive in circles double-file for two hundred laps and occasionally stop to refuel.  Anyone who tells you that it’s not all about the wrecks and the last twenty laps is full of shit.

The safer, more balanced new cars had caused the NASCAR product to decline in quality to such a degree that hardcore racing fans as like myself found themselves turning off the TV midrace.  Instead of getting drunk and spitting tobacco juice in the living room, fans are inclined to drink heavily and chew Kodiak out in the yard.

To all honest fans, the catastrophic crashes discussed earlier are unabashedly the lifeblood of NASCAR races.  No one sprints from the fridge to the TV when Bob Jenkins announces a Ryan Newman pass for the lead on lap 55.  Conversely, if DW starts screaming and crying about his little brother’s car going airborne and fireballing into thefence, your ass is across the room and on the couch for all sixty slow-mo replays and brutal in-car shots.

In addition to the diminished racing product, one of the bigger gripes among NASCAR fans and drivers is that huge stupid fuckin’ rear wing that makes the races look like a bunch of Fast and Furious R/C cars whipping around the track.  Thankfully, NASCAR plans to bring back the traditional spoiler in the second month of this season.  The cars will once again remind us of David Pearson and Neil Bonnett instead of Vin Diesel and Paul Walker.

NASCAR Sprint Cup heavyweights Tony Stewart, Brian Vickers, Kurt Busch, and Greg Biffle used the new aluminum spoiler during a Goodyear tire test last week at Texas Motor Speedway.  (full story)

Vickers described the car’s feel by saying “I thought [the spoiler] was good.  I thought it added a little bit of front downforce, which is a good thing.”

On the aesthetics, Vickers added “I think it’s going to be more accepted to the fans.  It looks cooler…a little more retro back to the older car.”

2004 Cup Champion Kurt Busch spoke on his run with the spoiler, “With the spoiler on, the car had a looser feel to it.  The car was turning better and it felt like the car was sliding a bit more…what we have to do ultimately is put together a better package for drivers to drive on the track which would create more side-by-side excitement for our fans to enjoy.”

Loose, sliding cars are more fun to watch.  NASCAR needs to bounce back after a bland, unexciting 2009 season and these major adjustments should do the trick.  If not, you’ve still got something to do on Sunday.  That engine block hangin’ from the tree outside ain’t gonna fix itself, right?