Drivers are impressed with new spoiler at first test (cont'd)

NASCAR has not determined the specific dimensions as yet for the spoiler, but the one that was being used as a baseline at Tuesday's session was 64.5 inches wide and four inches in height with no contour in the design. Also, the rear quarter panels were extended four inches toward the ground.

NASCAR phased out the traditional spoiler on the rear deck lid of the Cup cars and went to a rear wing when the [new car] was unveiled in 2007. The return to the traditional look provides fans with the ability to differentiate between the four manufacturers more easily and hopefully enhance the passing ability of the cars and overall race action. Tuesday's tire test was the first opportunity for drivers to test the package and provide feedback on its effects on the car.

"We've got one of the biggest spectator sports in America and [NASCAR] wants to keep it interesting," Biffle said. "[NASCAR] wants to keep our fans interested and they listen to the fans. [The fans] wanted double-file restarts and [NASCAR] did it, and a lot of fans don't like the wing because they say it's not traditional NASCAR. NASCAR asked us about [the change] and we thought it would be good to put a spoiler back on the car or at least try it. I think it will be good."

Biffle and Busch had to wait until the afternoon session to test out the spoiler, with Busch not getting an opportunity until nearly the culmination of the session.

"With the spoiler on, the car had a looser feel to it," Busch said. "The car was turning better and it felt like the car was sliding a bit more. When you 'A-B' the sets of tires -- like last year's tires that we won on -- and the tire that Goodyear wants to head in the general direction of, it tightened the car back up for a nice comfortable feel. And what we have to do ultimately is put together a better package for drivers to drive on the track which would create more side-by-side excitement for our fans to enjoy."

Stewart, Busch, Biffle and Vickers will conclude the Goodyear test Wednesday, where they are scheduled to test the spoiler package once again. NASCAR will conduct another test with the spoiler March 23-24 at Charlotte Motor Speedway -- another 1.5-mile oval and sister track to TMS -- that will be open to all Cup teams.

"I think we're stirring up the pot [with the change], but it's in a positive direction," Busch said. "A lot of times NASCAR throws changes our way and the drivers and owners grumble about it. With the spoiler, it seems like a positive reaction has been made already and just driving in it [Tuesday], I don't see any problem with it at all."

If NASCAR is pleased with the progress and performance of the spoiler, the new package could be implemented for the Samsung Mobile 500 scheduled for April 15-18 at Texas Motor Speedway.

Related:
• Wing to spoiler transition anticipated without dread