Restrictor plates for Lowe’s?

Lowe's Motor Speedway president and general manager H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler expressed "trepidation" Wednesday over what is sure to be an increase in speeds at his 1.5-mile track after repaving work is completed later this month.

Wheeler said lap speeds could be as high as 198 mph on the fresh asphalt and that could lead to two words dreaded by Nextel Cup competitors: restrictor plates.

"I'm going to be really interested when all the Cup cars come in here for the big test in May," Wheeler said. "Goodyear will have already tested, so we're going to have some idea of speeds. I'd prefer to see speeds somewhere down in the 188 range. But that's probably not going to happen. It's not out of the question that we might see 198 mph lap here. I'm all for slowing 'em down at that point."

Wheeler acknowledged that while competitors might hate the idea of using restrictor plates at the Charlotte track, safety is paramount.

"The only thing I'm concerned about is it's going to be awfully fast," Wheeler said. "It's going to be smooth, and smooth means fast. That's why we got up to 194 last October." Daily Scene