Rule changes in LVMS’ future?

Friday, Jan. 12, 2001 | 10:27 a.m.

NASCAR has come under fire for staging what some critics consider to be boring races at many of its intermediate-sized tracks, such as the 1.5-mile Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

With two more 1.5-mile ovals, Chicagoland Speedway and Kansas Speedway, joining the circuit this season, NASCAR officials are considering implementing rules changes at those tracks.

NASCAR president Mike Helton has asked several teams to test aerodynamic changes during an open test later this month at LVMS.

One source familiar with NASCAR's proposed changes said the aerodynamic package scheduled to be tested at Las Vegas would alter the way air is distributed around the cars, making them less stable.

The changes are expected to be similar to those implemented for the Winston 500 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway last fall that led to 49 lead changes among 21 drivers and one of the best races of the season. In that race, Dale Earnhardt went from 18th place to the lead in the final five laps.

NASCAR has nine races at 1.5-mile tracks this season

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