NASCAR WCUP: Benson team responds toTalladega rule change

NASCAR announced today modifications for the Ford and Dodge teams to be used in the Talladega 500 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway on April 22, 2001. The width of the Ford's rear spoiler will be decreased from 59 inches to 57-inches wide. The Pontiac's rear spoiler will remain at 59-inches wide, while the Chevrolet's rear spoiler will still be 57-inches wide. The Dodge teams will still use a 1 3/8-inch tall roof mounted air deflector. However, the deflector will now have to form a straight line, which will raise the outer edges' height. Prior to this modification, the deflector had a shape similar to the contour of the roof. Measurements for the Chevrolet and Pontiac models remain unchanged.

#10 Valvoline Pontiac Crew Chief James Ince:

"We're disappointed. It's going to help the Ford out a lot on the superspeedways. I'm not sure why NASCAR did what it did today. Pontiac hasn't won a race this year and NASCAR hasn't helped us out. The Fords have whined and it's paying off. We were the best Pontiac at two superspeedways last year and got outran by the Fords. It's not going to effect the Pontiac at Talladega but this will surely help the Ford and hurt the Dodge. I didn't think Ford needed any help. Fortunately we go to Bristol this weekend where we don't have to worry too much about aerodynamics."