It appears that the sanctioning body has been fairly busy over the past 24 hours.
News and Notes Heading Into the Bank of America 500
The fuel and fuel injection systems for the 2011 season has been decided upon as well as a new nose and splitter for two top chasis manufacturers. The Nationwide points battle was all but decided on Friday night but another top Nationwide driver just may have secured a ride for 2011.
Keep reading after the jump for all the juicy details.
2011 Splitter and Nose for Chevy and Toyota Approved
A new front splitter and nose have been approved for Chevrolet and Toyota Sprint Cup race teams for next year while Ford and Dodge teams are still working their 2011 designs. Chevrolet’s new front splitter and nose combination was displayed on Tony Stewart’s 2011 car that was unveiled Tuesday at the Mobil 1 press conference.
The new front splitter for Chevy and Toyota is molded to the front of the car instead of held to the front bumper with braces. Much like their Nationwide Series counterparts, Dodge and Ford is taking this opportunity to change the front bumper to give the cars better manufacturer identity and are still in the NASCAR approval process.
There will be no change to the hood for Ford and Dodge teams, just a slight change from the top at the front of the hood halfway down toward the splitter. Dodge and Ford teams still have plenty of time to get the new noses approved for next season.
Fuel Injection Coming to Sprint Cup next summer:
NASCAR expects a fuel injection system to be introduced next summer around the July 9th Cup Series weekend at Kentucky.Fuel injection is a green initiative meant to make stock cars more fuel efficient.
The current cars have used carburetors since the 1980s, and have little application to what is currently sold on showroom floors.
The only concern in using an injection system is competitive balance against crafty crew chiefs like Chad Knaus and Steve Letarte. NASCAR has told teams since Daytona to anticipate a change within in the next several seasons.
NASCAR Shifting to E15 Fuel in 2011
NASCAR has told teams to prepare for a E15 fuel blend for the 2011 season and the official confirmation came in the form of today’s press release.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 16, 2010) – The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) today announced it will race with E15 fuel in its three national touring series in 2011. Sunoco Green E15 is a 15 percent ethanol blend using American-made ethanol from corn grown by American farmers.“NASCAR is committed to being an environmental leader, and the sport has taken significant steps over the years toward conservation by introducing measurable, best-in-class initiatives in recycling, alternative energy, and carbon mitigation,” said Brian France, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASCAR.“The transition to Sunoco Green E15 takes our long-term sustainability strategy to the next level. Sunoco Green E15 is good for racing, good for the environment and good for America. While fueling the same close, door-to-door racing that thrills our fans, American ethanol creates jobs in the United States, helps foster energy independence, and continues the greening of our sport.”“Since 2004, Sunoco has produced and delivered to NASCAR the world’s best racing fuel flawlessly in a challenging, high-stakes environment,” said Bob Owens, Senior Vice President, Sunoco. “We’re proud to be part of NASCAR’s dedication to conservation with Sunoco Green E15 – the ultimate high-test ethanol fuel blend. In our six years as official fuel partner, Sunoco has changed with the times by helping NASCAR transition to unleaded fuel, and now we are eager to produce for the sport a high-performance ethanol blend.”
Sunoco Green E15 will be blended at Sunoco’s fuel facility in Marcus Hook, and will come in part from Sunoco’s new ethanol plant in Fulton, N.Y. Race teams have been testing the Green E15 for several months, and most (notably Roush-Fenway Racing) have reported positive results.
Allgaier Struggling to Find Sponsors
Roger Penske gave Justin Allgaier permission to seek other opportunities for 2011. Penske has told Allgaier that the only way he can keep him in the fold is if another sponsor should steps up. None have so far and Allgaier isn’t hopeful. So the 24-year old has began talking to Cup and Nationwide teams around the garage, but the same problem exists. No sponsor.
Richard Petty Motorsports would be an ideal fit and Joe Gibbs Racing has been rumored to have an interest. Allgaier has admitted casual talks with both teams, but no deal is imminent without a sponsor.
With a national ad campaign and Nationwide wins under his belt, Allgaier is one of the more marketable non-Cup Series drivers.
That’s today’s news. An open race thread for today’s Bank of America 500 will be posted shortly! Godspeed America!
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