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NASCAR WCUP: Learning the rules, Earnhardt Jr. loves restrictor plate racing

10 October 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Budweiser NASCAR Winston Cup Race Preview

Quotes from Dale Earnhardt Jr.

"I haven't really learned too much about the new rules, but a lot of people think it will give us more of a chance for slingshot passes. It means it'll be easier to pass without having to rely on someone to draft with you or help you along. The cars will punch a much bigger hole in the air.

"I love restrictor plate racing because it's all-out. When you go to Talladega, you know you're seeing guys out there with their right foot mashed to the floor and driving as fast as they can. The restrictor plates make it a chess match - you really have to think ahead and try to out-think the other guys."

This Week's Race

What: Winston 500, Winston Cup Race 30 of 34
Where: Talladega Super Speedway, Talladega, AL
When: Sunday, October 15, 2000
Watch: ESPN, 1:00 p.m. Eastern

BUD Pole qualifying will be live on ESPN2 Friday at 4:00 pm Eastern time. Happy Hour will also be seen on "the Deuce" Saturday afternoon at 4:30 p.m.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Talladega

Previous Winston Cup starts: 1
Best Start: 6th
Best Finish: 42nd*
*This is the worst finish of the season for Dale Jr.

Career Busch Series Starts 2
Best Start 4th (1998)
Best Finish 6th (1999)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DALE JR.

Dale Jr's birthday is Tuesday, October 10, ending his first quarter century. He will be 26 years old

What To Watch

For this week's race at the longest and fastest oval on the Winston Cup circuit, NASCAR has instituted several new regulations designed to improve the ability of cars to makes passes. Restrictor-plate races have become parades where passing was difficult unless an entire string of cars were involved. While the close action can be exciting, it also increases the likelihood of what is called "the big one" - a crash that takes out a large chunk of the field in one swoop. The new rules slow the cars down while making it possible to make "slingshot" passes. The slingshot move spiced-up many NASCAR superspeedway races in the 70s and 80s prior to the institution of the engine restrictor plate rules.

The changes include a larger restrictor plate on the engine, coupled with new aerodynamic restrictions. All cars will carry an extended flange (also known as a wickerbill or Gurney Flap) on top of the rear spoiler, higher ground clearance at the front of the car, and a strange roof deflector - a 1 3/8-inch flap on the roof of the car. From the front, the flap gives the cars the appearance of a police car or taxi cab

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Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.