Despite earlier reports that NASCAR officials would not make any further changes to the NASCAR Sprint Cup cars prior to the Daytona 500, FOXSports.com has learned that the grille opening will increase by one-half inch to 3 inches by 20 inches.
NASCAR is letting NSCS teams open up their air inlet openings (from 2.5 by 20 inches to the 3 by 20 opening) because with continued warm weather forecast for tomorrow, this will give teams more air to cool their engines, according to a NASCAR spokesman.
Earlier in the week, further changes seemed to be ruled out.
Series Director John Darby said on Friday that the sanctioning body was “pretty satisfied what we’ve seen so far,” he left the door open by adding, “The way the entry blank is written, we always have the opportunity to review and make changes any time."
It's the third change officials have made to the cars since they began practicing at Daytona International Speedway last week. The teams have both exceeded the speeds NASCAR expected and have raced in two-car packs as they battle for positions tthe front of the field, something that challenges the engines in a long race.
On Friday, Darby said that he was pleased with the quality of racing “especially in the second (Gatorade Duel qualifying race).”
“That’s a closer preview of what we’ll see on Sunday,” Darby said. “From our concerns, we’re OK for now. For racing excitement, I don’t know what more you could get.
“What I’m more worried about is we’re shattering all these records for lead changes and passes and all the rest of that. Every time we break a record then we set our bar higher. I don’t know how much higher we can get."
One engine builder said the change will allow the cars to tandem draft longer while keeping the engine cool.
It will offer engines a greater margin or protection so that there is not a rash of engine issues affecting the racing in the Daytona 500.
