NASCAR will restrict gear ratios in '05 for Cup, Busch, Trucks

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- In an effort to contain team costs and further enhance competition, NASCAR will implement a gear rule for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series beginning with the 2005 season, NASCAR officials announced today.

"We conferred with our team owners at length on this issue and the decision was brought about by a combination of our initial ideas and their input. In the end, we had to put individual agendas aside and formulate a rule that was in the best interest of the industry," NASCAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brian France said. "RPMs have been on a continual rise since the 1970s and the associated costs to gain an edge in that area have escalated substantially during that time as well.

"We have also noticed a substantial decrease in the number of engine builders over the past several seasons and this new rule should help reverse that trend."

The new rule for NASCAR's three national series will restrict teams to NASCAR-determined gear ratios at each event that will limit the maximum RPMs (Revolutions Per Minute) that all engines will be able to produce in competition. The move is expected to reduce team costs associated with engine research and development to gain additional RPM. It also is expected to enhance the competitive balance with all makes in each series.

The rule will be in effect at every track in all three national series with the exception of the two restrictor-plate tracks, Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway, where limits already exist due to the carburetor plates.

NASCAR will regulate the new rule by inspecting the number of teeth on the pinion and number of teeth on the ring gear during its race weekend inspection process. NASCAR also will equip each vehicle with a data logger, which measures the RPMs during all on-track activity, which will be located near the ignition system.

In another related competition move, NASCAR announced that it will reduce the rear spoilers in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series by an inch at all non-restrictor plate tracks beginning with the 2005 season. NASCAR, which decreased the spoilers by three-quarters of an inch entering this season, will require spoilers in 2005 to be 4½ inches in height. The reduction in the spoiler height is expected to further reduce aero-push while enhancing the competitive aspect in terms of racing and passing ability. It is a continuation of a multi-year plan that began in 2002 to return more drive-ability to the cars through their aerodynamics, engines and tires.