Officials announce changes to Taurus, Dodge noses

By Stephen Thomas, CNNSI.com
November 14, 2001
2:57 PM EST (1957 GMT)

ATLANTA -- On Tuesday, NASCAR officials informed teams that, effective immediately, the Ford Taurus will receive a half-inch kickout on its nose, while the Dodge Intrepid will have that same area reduced by one inch.

Dodge cars have enjoyed success on intermediate tracks this season.

NASCAR would not characterize the decision as a response to the apparent dominance that the Dodges have enjoyed on intermediate tracks; however, it seems clear that the move was designed to redress some of the perceived competitive imbalance.

It was announced in late July that the Dodge would be given an extra two inches on its nose (thus improving downforce). Teams that run Fords, Pontiacs and even Chevrolets have complained long and loud that NASCAR was giving Dodge a huge aerodynamic advantage.

"This is just part of NASCAR's on-going effort to assess the competitiveness of each make," Gary Nelson, NASCAR's managing director of competition, said Wednesday when asked why the sanctioning body was acting now, days after Dodge had again dominated and won a race on an intermediate track. "We utilize information from all available sources, not just race statistics. This is just another of the minor changes we make designed to maintain competitive balance."

However, if the powers that be hoped this change might dampen the firestorm surrounding the Dodge (which has won two of the last three races at 1 1/2 ovals) those hopes appear to have been misplaced.

The Ford Taurus will receive a half-inch kickout on its nose

"This is like throwing in a free oil change when you buy a new car," said Robin Pemberton, crew chief for Rusty Wallace's Ford. "It's nothing. In order for any Ford to win on an intermediate track now they have to have a perfect day. Directionally, it's correct in that it will give you a little more adjustability [to the car], but I just don't think there's much to it."

Representatives from General Motors were no more impressed.

"We are glad to see that NASCAR has taken action on limiting the Dodge advantage," said Doug Duchardt, NASCAR Group Manager for GM Racing.

"It still remains unclear why NASCAR would not equalize the entire field, choosing instead to assist Ford. Since there has not been a NASCAR wind tunnel test since March, one can only assume that the changes were based on the results seen at the racetrack. Ford just swept the top four spots in Phoenix, while the last Pontiac win was at Bristol in August, and the only Pontiac win at a high-speed track this entire season was at Pocono in July.

"We know that Joe Gibbs Racing fields two championship-caliber teams and is capable of winning and dominating races. Unfortunately, NASCAR does not appear to be concerned with providing a level playing field for them or any of the other Pontiac teams."