Daytona 500 notebook: NASCAR adjusts spoiler rule for Fords

Monday, Feb. 11, 2002 | 10:08 a.m.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR, apparently, had seen enough.

After initially saying it would make no aerodynamic rules changes until after Thursday's 125-mile qualifying races, the sanctioning body on Sunday announced that it would reduce the rear spoiler height on the Ford Taurus by one-quarter inch, effective Tuesday.

The change came after an abysmal performance by the Fords in Saturday's first-round qualifying session for next Sunday's Daytona 500 and an equally dismal showing in Sunday's Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway.

On Saturday, there was not a Ford to be seen among the top 12 qualifiers and only two Fords in the top 20. On Sunday, only two Fords finished in the top 10.

"This gives us a chance on Thursday to see what this action creates," NASCAR president Mike Helton said. "We have said all along that we would adjust (the rules) to try to get it right as quick as we can.

"(Saturday's) qualifying and (Sunday's) race results are the first facts that we know for certain about so we make this change (and) we can see what results it creates on Thursday."

The rear spoiler height for Fords is now 6 inches. Chevrolets will continue with a 6 1/4-inch rear spoiler and Dodges and Pontiacs will stay at 6 1/2 inches.

"That should help because we've known all along that the biggest problem area we have is too much drag," Ford driver Dale Jarrett said. "I hope this does the trick and I applaud NASCAR for realizing that we had a need and for taking the initiative to make a change.

"This should give us a chance in the Daytona 500."

Not everyone, of course, was happy with the rules change.

"Obviously, the Dodge needs something to be more competitive with the GM cars," said Tony Glover, team manager for Chip Ganassi Racing's Dodges. "It's hard to compete with cars that have less rear spoiler.

"It's disappointing when you start into a situation as an underdog."

"It definitely put more emphasis on the driver," Stewart said. "The nice thing is that we feel like we're driving the car again. With last year's package, I felt like the car was driving me and I was just riding along.

"This year, I feel like I'm at least in control of my car."

Jeff Gordon, who finished third Sunday, agreed.

"I like this (package) a lot better; it allows me to be a factor," Gordon said. "Today, I felt like I played a role out there. Before ... I felt like I was just something they plugged in the seat and told me to hold on tight and see where you end up."

Both drivers said the new rules should make for safer races at Daytona and Talladega.

Jackson, a long-time classic car enthusiast and NASCAR fan, said he had been waiting for the right opportunity to get more involved in the sport. He said he consulted NASCAR president Mike Helton before deciding to join team owners Stan and Randy Herzog.

"When the opportunity arose to join a first-class organization like Herzog Motorsports, I just couldn't pass it up," Jackson said. "I am proud and a little more than excited to add the title of owner of a Busch Series team to my list of accomplishments."

The team will be known as Herzog-Jackson Motorsports.