I always wonder why NASCAR does the schedule the way they do. In the last four weeks, the Sprint Cup Series has ran only two races, with two weeks off, one of which was for Easter.
Now I’m all for having a break from the action at the track, but at the same time just when fans get into the groove of having the season back going, they get an off-week where they have to wonder what to watch in it’s place. Sure there’s the Truck and Nationwide Series, and the NHRA, but for those die-hard fans they want to see their heroes race every chance they get.
But, I can’t do anything about it nor can the drivers. So with the Easter break a thing of the past, I want to discuss the big change that happened at the last race in Martinsville, VA.
That race was the return of the spoiler, which has been synonymous with NASCAR for the longest time. Back to the 1970s, the cars competing on the circuit ran rear spoilers for downforce and to make sure the rear of the car didn’t get airborne. However, when NASCAR introduced the current Cup car in 2007, the spoiler was gone. In it’s place was the rear wing, which from the outset just didn’t seem to fit in NASCAR.
What soon followed was a lot of headaches, complaining and an even deeper concern. It wasn’t until last season where we saw the problem with the rear wing. As far as downforce, the spoiler was simple. It helped plan the rear of the car as it forced air over the top, pushing the rear tires into the track.
The wing, different story. Because of how it was mounted and it’s looks, air would go above, under and across the sides. This made downforce difficult and a huge problem for many drivers.
It wasn’t until three particular races last year that we got to see the biggest problem with the wing, in that it could easily have the car get in the air if turned backwards.
Both races at Talladega plus the night race at Daytona saw three drivers spin backwards and have the rear of the car leave the race track. Ryan Newman, Carl Edwards and Kyle Busch all went bottoms up at these restrictor plate giants, and despite each walking away, they all knew it was a risk.
Drivers and crews began to talk with officials in what could be done to take away this problem, and practically all wanted to see the spoiler return. With NASCAR wanting to go “back to basics” this season, they listened and said the spoiler would make it’s return.
Martinsville was the track where the spoiler debuted. After all the testing at bigger tracks, the new piece debuted at a speedway where aerodynamics mean nothing. Rather odd, but when looking at the races that are coming up, it’s a good starting point. Up next is Phoenix, which is still a shorter track at just over a mile in length, but rather fast.
Then it’s onto Texas, which is a lot like Charlotte which is where the series tested the spoiler before it’s debut. A fast, wide and competitive track. This will be where a majority of the questions regarding the spoiler will be answered in my opinion.
And then, it’s Talladega. If anything, we all will find out whether the new spoiler will reduce the chances of a car getting airborne or if there’s more to it.
More than anything, it’s just so nice seeing a spoiler back on the Sprint Cup car. When the new Nationwide Series showcased their new car that had a spoiler on the deck lid, I had a feeling that it would only be a matter of time before the top series would incorporate it onto their car.
This week is the first Saturday night race as NASCAR heads out west to the desert in Phoenix, Arizona. Coverage of the Subway Fresh Fit 600 begins at 7:30 p.m. on FOX.