Returning to basics is the theme for '10

NASCAR will loosen the reins this year to enhance on-track competition, signifying a back-to-basics racing theme for 2010.

By relaxing some on-track rules, NASCAR is set to put racing back in the drivers' hands this year.

The changes, which begin with this week's season-opening points races at Daytona International Speedway, will no doubt inflame the competitive fire of every driver -- and fan alike -- allowing for more competitive, side-by-side racing.

Chief among the changes for Sprint Cup Series competitors -- bump-drafting rules will be eliminated at Daytona and Talladega superspeedway.

"We're telling them, 'Boys, have at it and have a good time,' " said Robin Pemberton, vice president of competition. "The yellow [out-of-bounds] line will stay for now but we're rescinding the 'no bump-drafting' rule and turning everybody loose. We're putting the racing back in the hands of the drivers."

Secondly, teams will also use a bigger restrictor plate at Daytona, giving driver's more horsepower. This year's Daytona 500 carburetor restrictor plate will measure 63/64ths of an inch, the largest used since the 1989 Daytona 500.

Later in the season, the Cup Series' new car will move from wing to spoiler -- clearly the most visible change to the COT to date.

"Right from the start, the wing was a work in progress," NASCAR president Mike Helton said. "We did it for all the right reasons, but its acceptance never grew beyond the point we thought it should. We've made two dozen changes to the Car of Tomorrow since its first race, but they weren't very visible. This is a very visible change and it's getting a lot of attention."

The switch from wing to spoiler will mean a more traditional stock-car look. A full-field test is scheduled for March 23-24 at Charlotte. Following that, a decision on when to implement the spoiler will be made based on teams' input.

Competition-related changes in the Nationwide Series include:

• Beginning with the Feb. 13 season opener at Daytona, teams will be limited to 15 crew members, including the driver, crew chief, spotter and seven over-the-wall pit-crew members.

• Additionally, teams may run no more than two races in 2010 without using an engine sealed by series officials. Last year they could run three races before using a sealed engine.

For the Camping World Truck Series, competition-related changes include:

• Teams will use double-file restarts "shootout style" in 2010, making restart rules uniform across all three national series.

• Teams also will return to traditional pit stops, eliminating last year's procedure of refueling and changing tires on separate stops.

• Teams also may use a new, vented fuel dump can, eliminating the need for a catch can.

For fans, tracks are doing their part to increase attendance by offering more affordable ticket options, creating more fan access to drivers, partnering with local hotels for fan discounts, and leveraging media around tire tests to build excitement for upcoming races.

If you'd like to attend a race in person this year, just visit the track's Web site for special ticket and travel packages.

TV partners are doing their part, too.

Beginning with the 2010 Daytona 500, NASCAR fans won't have to deal with much variation in terms of start times for Cup Series races.

NASCAR and its television broadcast partners will move to a uniform drop of the green flag for races in 2010. East Coast races will start at 1 p.m. ET, West Coast races at 3 p.m. and night races at 7:30 p.m.

Gentlemen, start your televisions. And get ready for a return to the fender-banging of old days.