Midterm: COT passing in places, struggling in others (cont'd)

Manufacturer Brand Identity
Grade: D

Manufacturer brand identity plays a huge role in NASCAR's formula for success. And the COT is perhaps a bit of an improvement over the current car. But that's only because stickers in the shape of production car grills, headlights and taillights adhere nicely to the generic shapes designated to hold them.

The common template for all COT cars is to blame here. NASCAR has leveled the aerodynamic playing field for all manufacturers at the expense of the production car's basic shape and form (a key factor in most all car purchases). I'm not convinced that's good thing.

Aesthetics
Grade: D-

When NASCAR announced its intention to change the car, I imagined a car along the lines of what they race in Germany's DTM series or in Australia's V8 Supercar series, minus their huge wings. Deep down, I knew that was probably asking too much. As it ended up, sadly, I was right.

The COT is way too tall and way too chunky. The bolt-upright greenhouse and brick-like silhouette are not nearly as racy as the competition on the track is. NASCAR missed a great opportunity to field a sexier package. But you can see the sponsor logos perfectly.

Toughness
Grade: A

The robustness of the splitter and the wing that had so many people concerned at the start of the season has not proven to be a problem. The car's slab-like flanks, its energy-absorbing foam, the additional tubing and the equal-height bumpers have combined to make the car tough enough to both take it, and dish it out. At the end of Sunday's race broadcast, Larry McReynolds gave us the COT fact of the week: no team has needed to go to a backup car in these first eight COT race weekends.

Cost Savings
Grade: Incomplete

Campaigning two specs of car in one season is not a cost-effective way to go racing -- especially in light of the extraordinary testing programs teams have been forced to adopt. NASCAR's decision to go full-time with the COT in 2008 is the right move. Only then can any cost savings be realized.

If you wish to appeal for a change to any of the grades issued on this report card, you may present your case directly to Mr. McCarthy.