CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NASCAR tweaked two rules for next month’s race at Talladega Superspeedway, apparently in an effort to limit the two-car tandem racing that has dominated at its two fastest tracks.
The first change ordered Wednesday was an increase in the size of the restrictor plate that will be used in the Oct. 23 race. The larger holes in the carburetor plates should lead to an increase of horsepower that could make the cars 2 to 3 mph faster.
NASCAR also ordered an adjustment on the pop-off valve in the cooling system that should lower the maximum water temperature in engines. A threat of overheating could prevent cars from staying hooked together for too long.
Drivers discovered over the last year that it’s faster to run at Daytona and Talladega in two-car tandems. That style has replaced the two- and three-wide packs, and fans have been lukewarm about the tandem racing.
NBA, players talking as important date looms
NEW YORK — Staff members from the NBA and players association met for a few hours, and top negotiators from both sides will talk today as the sides attempt to reconcile their differences over the lockout. Training camps expected to open Oct. 3 would likely be postponed without a deal this week.
Umberger signs extension with Blue Jackets
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus Blue Jackets forward R.J. Umberger signed a five-year contract extension that takes effect next year and will take him through the 2016-17 season.
• Defenseman Mark Streit was named the 13th captain in the history of the New York Islanders.
Footnotes.
New York Yankees starter Phil Hughes received an injection of painkiller to alleviate a seven- year-old back injury that recurred, but the team hopes he can pitch next week during the final series of the regular season.
• Fabian Espindola scored two first-half goals and Real Salt Lake topped the New York Red Bulls 3-1 in Harrison, N.J.
• Juan Pablo Angel scored twice and Dan Kennedy saved a stoppage-time penalty kick to lift Chivas USA to a 2-2 comeback draw against D.C. United in Washington.
• Khari Stephenson‘s goal from 18 yards in the 70th minute allowed the visiting San Jose Earthquakes to salvage a 1-1 tie with the Portland Timbers.
• U.S. midfielder Jose Torres underwent surgery on his left foot and is expected to be out several months.
• Gina Mancuso had 22 kills and Morgan Broekhuis had 12 as Nebraska defeated four-time defending national volleyball champion Penn State 25-18, 25-16, 23-25, 19-25, 15-10 in Lincoln, Neb.
• Scott Verplank had wrist surgery and will be off the PGA Tour for about five months.
The Associated Press
