NASCAR teams test new spoiler at Talladega

By Reid Spencer

Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service

TALLADEGA, Ala.

The look was decidedly different — sleeker and yet more traditional — as cars took to the track at Talladega Superspeedway on a chilly, overcast Tuesday morning.

Twenty-four Sprint Cup teams tested the new spoiler-equipped version of NASCAR’s Cup car, following the sanctioning body’s recent decision to return from the non-traditional wing to the spoiler in time for the March 28 Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 at Martinsville, Va.

Though there was little or no dissenting opinion as to the appearance of the car, drivers say there’s still much to learn about the performance of the spoiler, even after cars drafted together at the 2.66-mile restrictor-plate track during the afternoon session.

A number of questions will remain unanswered until a scheduled full-field test March 23-24 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

“The balance is really what we’re interested in — how much the balance is going to change versus just overall grip,” Jeff Gordon said. “We’re kind of hoping that it actually helps the front of the car turn a little bit, too.

“So I’m very anxious to get to Charlotte. This test is really what’s going to happen in the draft. … When we get to Charlotte I think is when we’re going to find out what a spoiler really does in comparison to a wing.”

From NASCAR’s standpoint, Tuesday’s action on the track also was designed to help establish a variety of performance specifications for the Aaron’s 499, which will be run April 25 at Talladega.