FW: GM Racing response to NASCAR rules change

      
GM RACING COMMUNICATIONS; WINSTON CUP NOTES AND QUOTES
JAN. 23;  PAGE 1

On Tuesday, NASCAR distributed a rules change for the Winston Cup Series,
which decreased the height of the rear spoiler on the Ford by one-quarter
inch, effective immediately.  Below is reaction from Doug Duchardt, NASCAR
Group Manager for GM Racing.


DOUG DUCHARDT, NASCAR GROUP MANAGER, GM RACING:
"There is no question we're disappointed about this latest rules adjustment.
When the Winston Cup teams arrived in Daytona for testing a little over two
weeks ago, rear spoiler heights dictated by NASCAR were based off of data
obtained in the wind tunnel test following last fall's race at Talladega.
The only adjustment after that test was a one-quarter inch decrease in the
rear spoiler height on the Monte Carlo.
"Now, with this latest change made to the Ford, the rules package for this
year's Daytona 500 becomes virtually identical to the package the series
utilized during the 2000 season.  With those rules in place, Ford teams
swept the top five finishing positions in both races held at Daytona [in
2000]. To say they were competitive in those events is an understatement.
"The questions then become, 'What happened during testing the past couple
weeks? How could the same teams that basically dominated with these rules
two years ago struggle so badly during six days of practice sessions?'
"It seems obvious that these teams went to Daytona with an agenda and a goal
of getting some help that wasn't warranted, and that is what they received.
If that is the case, then perhaps the Pontiac and Chevrolet teams will have
to re-think their testing strategies in the future. In theory, those
sessions are designed to give teams a chance to prepare for our sport's
'Super Bowl' and ensure a great, competitive race for the fans. After this
latest move, we are certainly wondering just how competitive the Daytona 500
will be."