By Caleb Whisler, Staff Writer
After the first of two Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series practices Friday at Talladega Superspeedway, NASCAR announced a rule change before the second practice session.
During the first practice session, 21 drivers exceeded the 200-mph mark with eight drivers exceeding 202 mph. Kurt Busch was fastest with a speed of 202.671.
After adding a 1-inch bolt to the trackbar mount and 1 inch to the spoiler, NASCAR has opted to add 1-inch wicker to the spoiler. In addition, NASCAR gave teams the option to switch between two gear options (0.345 and 0.350) until qualifying. Once a team qualifies Saturday afternoon, they must keep that gear ratio through the race.
According to a NASCAR representative, the sanctioning body saw speeds and a higher rpm performance creeping up into an uncomfortable range. NASCAR was quick to note that this is a new package that they and teams are learning and making adjustments to make sure they are in a good place to get 40 cars on the track at the same time.
So Nascar decided to add a wicker to the rear spoiler. Remember what happened when they put on of these contraptions on the roof at Daytona in 200l? Yeah, they ended up killing Dale Sr. It was the beginning of the end for Nascar’s reign on top. Now you see empty stands at most races. They keep f%&#ing with the rules and championship format. Pretty soon we’ll be watching split broadcasts again with bowling and figure skating. The France family are a bunch of idiots. Top drivers should break away and start their own series.