There will be a number of design modifications to the NASCAR race car for the 2011 season. First of all, the nose of the car will be sleeker, slimmer, and sportier. Second is a new splitter that is barely noticeable, not like the past splitter that was a bulky monstrosity, responsible for the slashing and demise of many tires. The new splitter is designed to stay in place, even during low air-pressure, which will be much safer to both the driver and automobile. There will also be some ventilation and aerodynamic changes, such as one less grill opening on the front bumper. Ethanol will also be used as fuel (NASCAR going "green") modifying the gas can used, and eliminating the need for the "catch man" in pit road. These design and engineering changes ultimately were driven by economics. But if the result is enhanced safety, in addition to a more aesthetic race car, who should complain?
Amy Marbach in her blog BadGroove.com (http://www.badgroove.com/index.php/2011/01/24/4624/) and Ben Montedonico at Stock Car Spin (http://stockcarspin.com/2011/02/04/getting-nosy-analyzing-nascars-new-race-cars/) have written two excellent articles I recommend explaining these modifications.
How do you feel about the new design and car modifications?
