|
My previous editorial ‘Is the Aero Package Really to
Blame’ discussed the role that
the infamous aero package plays in modern day super speedway racing. Since
the Daytona 500 and the Talladega 500, NASCAR has been searching for other
techniques to allow the cars and drivers to compete at it’s two fastest
tracks, while staying below the 200mph barrier. The feedback from that editorial provided some interesting and realistic suggestions on methods
that NASCAR could use to improve the safety of racing at Daytona and Talladega.
Here are some of the responses I received from AutoRacing1.com readers:
Lee Cox stated that there are only three things that will keep the speeds
in check: 1) the aero package, 2) the restrictor plates, 3) a smaller engine. Several drivers and car owners have stated an interest in a
smaller engine displacement, while others have been skeptical because of the
research and development of such a task. The cost of designing and building
another engine has also been a concern. One of the biggest threats toward driver and spectator safety is the massive
wrecks that result from the cars traveling in one big pack.
Leo Dugan said maybe they should slow the cars way down instead of speeding them up.
Before the cars developed into the aerodynamic missiles they are today, they
were able to have unrestricted engines and still remain below 200mph. This
was possible because the cars had an incredible amount of drag and very little downforce. Also, in that era, the cars were made from the stock
sheet metal that was shared with their showroom counterparts.
Mike Eads suggested that NASCAR should consider making the cars more stock.
Don Kimbell made the suggestion that the tracks should be modified and have the
banking reduced.
Robert Meredith suggested that another step may be using
the same body configuration on all tracks instead of having a Martinsville
body and a Charlotte body.
How NASCAR will go about improving the safety and racing at Daytona and
Talladega remains to be seen. Maybe they should try soft walls or soft cars. Maybe they should build better catch fences and take the restrictor
plates off. Whatever the case may be, NASCAR should be careful to not do more harm than good.
What's your suggestion?
The author can be contacted at dougb@autoracing1.com
Go to
our
forums
to discuss this article
|
