Nationwide COT to use different suspension package
The Nationwide car of tomorrow will have a spring package like the one used in current cars, Balash said. Sprint Cup cars, which will all be the model formerly known as the COT beginning in 2008, use "bump-stops" on the front suspension instead of the "coil-binding" setup on current Nationwide cars.
"We want the car to drive different," Balash said at ESPN Club during media day for the final Busch Series awards banquet. The Busch Series becomes the Nationwide Series in 2008.
"We've gone down the path of having two very similar cars and very easily taking the technology that makes the car turn both aerodynamically and with suspension interchange between the garages.
"As we go forward, we want more difference there. We want to have our cars use a more conventional spring setup. We're not going to use the bump-stops on the cars."
Balash also said plans call for the Nationwide COT to be rolled out in all races in 2009. Nextel Cup teams ran the new car in 16 races this year, with the older version used in 20.
The Nationwide cars also will use a different body style, with a higher hood and shorter deck lid. Manufacturers are still deciding what model to use, though it appears likely Ford will run a Mustang, Chevrolet a Camaro and Dodge a Challenger. Toyota likely will stick to the Camry, sources said.
Balash said all four manufacturers have been involved in the design of the new car. The car has one more round of wind tunnel tests before NASCAR can lock down the ¹09 rules, Balash said.
Balash said the new rules package will likely be announced in January. Scenedaily.com