NASCAR WCUP: Jerry Nadeau tries to prepare for 'unpredictable' Talladega

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

April 17, 2001

* Jerry Nadeau's Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway Driving Guide --

"Talladega is an unpredictable race track. You just never know what's going to happen during the race until the last couple of laps. With the superspeedway aerodynamic package we have now, the race will be exciting for the fans like it was last fall. There will be a lot of passing and a lot of cool things going on -- it should be fun for the drivers and the fans."

* What about the aero package for Talladega? --

The aerodynamic package for the Chevrolet Monte Carlo is very similar to last year's requirements for the Talladega 500. In changing the package last fall at Talladega, NASCAR's goal was to slow the cars down while allowing the drivers to have better throttle response. In order to accomplish this, the following changes were made to the cars:

1. The holes in the restrictor plates were enlarged allowing more fuel to the carburetor and in turn making the car faster. (NASCAR made the restrictor plate fifteen-sixteenths of an inch this year. It was previously seven-eighths of an inch.)

2. A 1 3/8-inch-tall roof blade was added across the top of the car, which places more drag on the car and slows it down.

3. A one-inch-wide bill was added to the rear spoiler on the deck lid of the car, which is placed at a 90-degree angle to the spoiler. This also slows the car down by adding drag.

NASCAR liked the results it received, and kept the rules for this year's race.

Text provided by Alex Stamper

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