Nationwide COT will not make its race debut until 2010
CONCORD, N.C. – NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton said Monday at Lowe’s Motor Speedway that the Nationwide Series car of tomorrow would not be rolled out until 2010, setting a firm introduction of the new car for the first time.
NASCAR had originally discussed introducing the car as early as August 2009, but teams in the Nationwide Series complained about the cost of switching over to the new car and running the current version at the same time.
“We will not roll this thing out in 2009,” Pemberton said. “In talking with the teams, we think it’s better for development to have a series of tests during 2009. We’ll continue to talk with them and to get it out there as early as possible.
“But as we run through the middle course of the summer, it appears that 2010 for the full season, starting in Daytona, will be the best option for us.”
The Nationwide COT is a modified version of the Sprint Cup car, using the same chassis – with altered suspension – and a different body, including a spoiler instead of a wing and a smaller splitter.
Pemberton’s remarks came at Lowe’s Motor Speedway as all four manufacturers started a two-day test, the second official test of the new car and the first official test on a 1.5-mile track. None of the cars are the final versions, Pemberton said.
“It was key to come to Charlotte and get a mile-and-a-half track under our belts to see what area the manufacturers need to work in to get their cars handling the best they can,” Pemberton said.
