The overall costs of auto racing are putting future NASCAR drivers in the same boat with everyday drivers who face rising fuel costs and upkeep on their cars.
Jim Hunter, NASCAR vice president of corporate communications, announced Tuesday two steps being taken that aim at lower operating costs for the NASCAR Grand National Division, which includes the East Series and West Series.
Racing teams in the Grand National Division will have a new engine and composite body structure available by Aug. 1, both designed to cut the cost of racing. Hunter also announced Grand National Division teams will have the option of running 105- or 110-inch wheelbases. He also said the age limit for drivers in the category is being reduced to 16.
“The combination of the spec engine, composite body and a choice of wheelbase should provide great competition for teams that eventually want to work their way into NASCAR’s three national series, the Truck Series, the Busch Series and the Nextel Series,” said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR vice president of competition.
Pemberton said the new engines have been tested and are competitive and durable.
A NASCAR spokesperson indicated the major cost savings come from engine component parts.
“The Grand National Series has been the starting point of careers for many of NASCAR’s top drivers,” Hunter said.
New look to IROC
The International Race of Champions will have a different feel Thursday when Race 3 will be contested on a road course at Daytona. It will be IROC’s first road course in 14 years and first road tour at Daytona since 1974.
“The big thing is keeping the car on the track,” said Sam Hornish Jr., who finished second in the IROC opener here in February, when half the field was wiped out in two accidents. “There are a lot of corners, a lot of places to pass.”
The normal DIS tri-oval layout is 2.5 miles, but the road course measures 3.56 miles. The race is set for 20 laps (71.2 miles), with a mandatory tire change with five laps to go.
“It’s probably going to be the most even IROC race of the year with the road-course guys and the Indy guys with their road-racing experience,” Tony Stewart said.
The Orlando (Fla.) Sentinel contributed to this report.
Irv Moss can be reached at 303-820-1296 or imoss@denverpost.com.
