Aerodynamics Promise Thrilling Daytona 500
Feb. 16, 2001 -- Bill Elliott is sitting in the pole position for Sunday's Daytona 500, which should be a wild ride as changes in aerodynamics promise plenty of lead changes and passing.
Known as the "Great American Race," the Daytona 500 has always been regarded as the Super Bowl of motor sports. But last year's race was a yawner, with a nearly single-file procession for 200 laps. Dale Jarrett won last year's race, which featured just nine lead changes by seven drivers.
But the new aerodynamic rules in place at Daytona International Speedway for this year's race appear to be paying off, as this week's qualifying runs saw a record number of lead changes and thrilling finishes.
Lead Changes Galore
Drafting has always played a key role at Daytona — a tri-oval track that features high banking — and will likely figure prominently again on Sunday. Drafting occurs when cars positioned one in front of the other help reduce the air pressure on each other. The drag helps pull cars along with less effort, enabling the driver to conserve energy and then slingshot past other drivers.
For this year's race, two strips of metal have been affixed to the roof and on top of the spoiler of each car, slowing it down and promoting drafting — and, therefore, passing.
The new aerodynamic package instituted by NASCAR also includes a change in the carburetor restrictor plates, devices that reduce speed and constrict the flow of air to the carburetor. The change keeps speeds below 200 mph and enables cars to move in packs, making for a more exciting race for fans than a single-file procession might.
The changes have immediately paid off. The two, 125-mile qualifying runs were nail-biters and saw a combined record 21 lead changes, compared to just one in last year's runs. Sterling Marlin passed Dale Earnhardt, who finished third, on the final lap of their Gatorade Twin 125-mile race to win. Mike Skinner nosed Dale Earnhardt Jr. to win their qualifying contest.
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