Car of Tomorrow Full-Time In 2008
Tuesday May 22, 2007
NASCAR announced today that it was going to accelerate the use of the Car of Tomorrow. Originally 2008 was going to be another split season between the old and new cars and 2009 was to be the first full season for the new Car of Tomorrow. After consulting with drivers and team owners NASCAR has decided to switch to the Car of Tomorrow full-time beginning with the 2008 season.
I could not be happier about this decision. Lets just switch to the new car and leave the past behind. So far the Car of Tomorrow seems to be living up to its promises. The competition is better, the cars are safer and cheaper in the long run for the teams. Tomorrow is here and this new car is better for everyone involved in the sport.
Comments
A full season without some fans. Except the fans that say what ever nascar do is ok because they are god.
I really don’t see the car of tomorrow as safer. Cheaper, maybe?
NASCAR seems to be going in the direction of the IRL. One car, one engine, and the luck of the draw. Let me know when the return to being a real sport.
I have been no fan of the COT, and it is odd to me that a sport that took over as the most popular racing in the US is now trying to almost hand that honor back to Indy car racing again. I grew up with the Indy cars, and NASCAR wasn’t shown much here in California back in the day, but Indy lost it’s audience when the name recognition like the Unsers and Foyts disappeared for foreign drivers nobody heard of. I just don’t understand why NASCAR would take something that was working and growing in popularity and screw around with it. I definitely do not watch with the same enthusiasm when those things are racing, and probably will eventually not watch at all. Good job NASCAR, you are going to feel the pain from this one I think.
Good luck to you all. Now maybe NASCAR will be fun again without all you cry babies at the tracks! Shut up and go to your indy car races or go fishing! Wah Wah!
I cant see that those COTs are really safer. Maybe a little with the seat being more centered in the car, thats about it. CHEAPER Not really. Except the fact that the teams has to keep up with 2 different types of cars. Limiting the teams to 1 type of car would certainly be CHEAPER. Better competition? REALLY, how the H## can you say that? Unless NASCAR is changing its name to HENDRICK RACING LEAGUE the close competition has been (pretty much) limited to Hamlin dominating until the very end when a Hendrick car sweeps by to win.
Honostly I dont really care which car they use, but seriously stop playing up the COT. They are not that great. But then again most NASCAR reporters lift NASCAR up to godly levels. MAYBE nascar doesnt allow reporters to think on their own. GO KASEY
Another nail in their (nascars) coffin!!
Dr D, maybe Nascar be fun again if others go watch Indy? Thats not saying much about nascar that you allow a few people take the fun out of it for you. If Nascar was really that good and fun to watch these people shouldn’t effect you so easily. However, weak Nascar has gotten in the last few years, we only can take it that you came on here whine about the whiners and try to blame others of what Nascar had done to themselves.
I am curious what some of the smaller teams think about this? I understand trying to manage two body styles can be costly. From that view, I agree this is a right move. We can only assume that the teams like Petty Ent., etc. have in their 2008 budget to manage two body styles and now they can channel the funds 100% to the COT.
There are other expenses outside of just the different car. We all have heard that new tools (catch cans, wedge wrenches, etc.) had to be re-designed. There was something that was not widely publicized but is an issue with all teams. I found out about this while touring the Petty shop in the spring of 2006, the COT will not fit into the current haulers. The car is a couple inches taller and will not work.
So, I guess in the long run of financing two body styles, two different sets of tools, two different haulers is much more expensive than one set of equipment. I guess the smaller leagues such as ARCA, etc. will be able to buy some equipment at the end of this season pretty cheap!
As for the COT, too much like IROC and I am loosing interest. Drivers do not like them and I think this will be the change that sends a few of the long timers on the verge of retirement, to retirement. I think it will also send a ton of fans that are on the verge of giving up on the sport, over the edge.
Humans are resistant to change.
COT full time in 2008–They haven’t had a race on the mile and a half and 2 mile tracks—Sure NASCAR/France want it look at the Chevy domination. It even gives Toyota there only chance to break in–Great for Chevy, good for Toyota, moderate for Dodge and bad for Ford–Suits NASCAR/France to a tee and I cheer for drivers of all makes except Toyota–
Why not Toyota all the Crap of tomorrow look the same so how can you tell if it is a Ford,Dodge,Chevy,or Toy! Oh well another one bites the dust me by,by NASCAR I’m out a here
I say new car, old car… it doesn’t matter to me. Whatever works for the teams. I’ll still be pulling for Earnhardt no matter what he drives, or who he drives for.
The COT hasn’t even been used enough yet to determine if it’s safer or not. I don’t see how anyone can use “It’s not any safer than the COY (Car of Yesterday)” because of this.
As far as looks go, all of the cars already looked the same.
what does it matter what they drive there has been so many changes to the cars over the last 50 years and nascar continued to grow for all those people who dont like it and bitch about it go watch tennis or bowling if you dont like change.If you were true fans you would support nascar and the moves that they make.Your not driving the cars so quit bitching……….
lee, we bi-ch because we know there always be a person that tell us go watch something else. Yes nascar grew, now if you notice, because of their changes they are losing fans for the past few years. What does it matter? If it didn’t matter the IRL, Indy cars would have more of a fan base than they have, if you notice they are barely holding on now. If it doesnt matter the IROC would still be running. You tell us why does it matter
Looks like the votes are in and it is thumbs down to the COT.
Well,
NASCAR is going to use the COT whether we like it or not, and they really couldn’t care less how we feel about it. As far as going to the COT full time in 2008, I say do it, it will give the teams and drivers much less to worry about. Will I be at the track next year? Probably not, from what I’ve seen this year the COT is boring. I would love to see a racing series that uses slightly modified STOCK cars, not what we have now and certainly not the COT. Anyone have a couple of hundred million lying around to get this started?
Oh well.
Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson at Martinsville ya that was boring
nascar has not had a good race for the past several years, maybe one or two.
Runing COT full-time next year sounds great. Haven’t had many exciting races with the current cars… at least with the COT there are some races worth watching….although it’s hard to call the same old commericals shown fifty-billion times a race day very exciting. I just hope other teams will get a better handle of the COT because watching Gordon and Johnson win over and over again is getting boring.
everybody has there own opinion just give it a chance
I sure do wish we all had some way to get our opinions thru to Big Mike Helton, or any of the NASCAR gang. I know we can just stop going to the tracks, but that would work like the annual GAS BOYCOTT for a DAY always (actually never) works. I really wish NASCAR could hear us first hand. If NASCAR could hear ALL OF OUR COMMENTS!!! I promise it could end up being a great change that all would enjoy much.
And maybe if NASCAR would allow reporters to think on their own, we the people could hear the truth instead of this hyped up, NASCAR does everything perfect and for a reason, BS that we always hear from them. I dont mind if NASCAR makes a goof, just admit it was a BOO BOO, not say OH WELL THAT WAS DONE THIS WAY BECAUSE OF ????
Now seriously if anyone finds out how to send these to NASCAR, please inform and carry on with it, the results could be great. THANKS ALL
COT , COY it really does not matter. If you wanna complain, how about dumping on unleaded fuel or restrictor plates? My biggest gripe is allowing Toyota in. So what if they are built in America? NASCAR has always been a American sport. I live in Japan now, and I still hate Toyotas, and I own one! Ever since Dale Srs death NASCAR has been more and more about the safety of the drivers. Your not driving the cars, they are. Your complaints mean little to nothing. If anyone wants to complain let the drivers gripe. If you don’t wanna watch, don’t , at least you don’t have to wait a week like I do for the tape delayed race! Be grateful for what you have. You People can’t even vote right for American Idol. (joking)
All I have to say is I have a large Dale Sr. diecast collection going up for sale soon. I am sure he would not like to see the sport he made end up the way it has. Nascar will lose fans, ratings, and revenue from thier constant changes. I can’t wait to see what tracks get cut next, as far as the COT one word INDY
MattFan#16, be careful what you wish for. That is how the IRL / CART division begain, and we all know how that turned out. Several years ago Humpy discussed this and mysteriously that idea disapeared quickly.
Frank #22, the drivers do not dare gripe. They are bitting the hand that feed them. If someone stands up and speaks out (i.e. Tony Stewart), you get sent to the “oval office” where they hook you up to an “opinion-sucking” mind machine and you walk out of the “oval office” with a blank glaze to your face and speak nothing but good things about Nascar.
RIGHT ON THE MONEY 1969rs. I’VE BEEN SAYING THAT FOR A LONG TIME. NASCAR DOESN’T TAKE KINDLY TO ANY REMARKS THAT MAKE THEM LOOK BAD. WHEN TONY COMPLAINED I THOUGHT GREAT, BUT LIKE YOU SAID THEY TOOK HIM DOWN IN NO TIME FLAT. ALL THE DRIVERS ARE DEATHLY AFRAID TO SAY ANYTHING AGAINST NASCAR FOR REAR OF LOOSING THEIR MEAL TICKET. YOU WOULD THINK THAT WITH THAT MANY DRIVERS AT LEAST ONE OR TWO OF THEM WOULD BE UNHAPPY ABOUT SOMETHING AND COMPLAIN ABOUT IT TO NASCAR, BUT AS YOU CAN SEE NOBODY SAYS ANYTHING.
Drivers complain a little too much and all Nascar has to do during inspection is find something “wrong” and your car is impounded, or your starting from the rear, or your docked 100 owner / driver points and fined $100k, and your crew chief has to sit at home for a month. Darned if you do, darned if you don’t.
I wonder how many fans would complain about anything if they could make eight or ten million a year for driving thirty six days a year?
1969RS nailed it dead on! Wonder what NASCAR would do if some of the top names and teams just decided to stay home one weekend. I’ve been a fan for over 35 years. What is happening to my sport? Racing should be about driver skill and the teams ability to build the best car they can put on the track. Nascar is reducing the fun of racing with too many can’t do this and must do thats. We watch for the drivers, not to see who nascar has fined or scolded this week.
BIGBOBSR, it may go a little deeper than just 36 days a year.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not asking for sympathy for the drivers that pull down this kinda jack, but they are working a bit more than 36 days a year.
Their type of work and our type of work may differ a little, but they are pretty busy with maybe one month down time a year. Some may argue that sitting at a table for three hours signing your name, or talking to a room full of sponsors is not real work, but it is and it makes it possible for others that may turn a wrench for 12 hours a day six days a week to have a job.
1969RS, I get what you’re saying, my point is that the drivers have 3 or 4 hundred people depending on them. They cannot afford to get in trouble with with God JR.or take a weekend and stay home.By staying home to protest or getting suspended a driver could lose as much as 195 points.The only way to hurt Nascar is for us to stay home.Maybe we should concider writing the sponsers and let them hear our complaints? Bob
I don’t watch NASCAR because of the way the cars look. I care about the drivers. It is human nature to resist change, but eventually even us stubborn humans accept change. The COT isn’t making the racing any more boring and obviously isn’t making all the team and cars the same (otherwise Hendrick wouldn’t be winning all the COT races – and they won’t once everyone else does some more homework). Complaining about one team being ahead of all the others is just silly. It is all about practice and application. The teams that do that the best will obviously perform the best – that isn’t limited to NASCAR. Bring on the COT full time and make it easier on the small teams to catch up. When everyone is racing to their full potential is when racing is the most fun to watch. If you don’t think so, then you can always watch figure skating!
Good point BIGBOB.
It apprears that some fans are voting to stay home already. I recall when it was extremely odd when a race would not sell out. Now it is common place. This weekends race still has tickets available and I heard Humpy saying on Speed this afternoon he does not expect to sell out until race day.
I use to get to at least two races a year. Last year I went to KC fall race and only because tickets were given to me.
But we will leave that topic for a different post.
to Lee and Dr. D, and everyone else saying we shouldn’t be bitching and should be loyal, etc. I think as a fan and paying customer of any entertainment, sports, movies, etc, we have a right to state our thoughts if we feel the product is becoming crap and that we reserve the right to no longer pay our hard earned money until they produce a better product. It is pretty simple and not something to be taken so personally, if what someone is asking for you to buy is crap, would you buy it?
Hey BIG BOB. You might have a real good point there about writing to the sponsers. When I was asking for hints on how to contact NASCAR. I never thought of the sponsers. Thank You I just will try that soon.
This car is the worst thing that could happent to NASCAR they should have to go back to their roots and drive stock cars like it was in the beginning.
lee says:If you were true fans you would support nascar and the moves that they make.Your not driving the cars so quit bitching……….
i totally agree with this guy you guys dont know how to ride these nascar car’s and u dont know the experiecne they have with the COT so once u get off your asses and get into a freaking COT then tell me why it sucks
CP,lee, dr d, If that what you think is a true race fan is never question and go along, and like everything nascar says or do. I guess all of those years of watching this use to be sport way back in the 60’s I’m not a fan. I for myself I like to use my head and my brain and think for myself. If I don’t like something I don’t watch or buy simple as that. Oh Cp you said go out and get a cot car and tell you how it drives? Well I don’t need to, I have heard drivers said it, We would hear more drivers say it if nascar would let drivers think for themselves and say whats on their mind. But we all know nascar won’t allow that, remember tony?
Cp, We as fans have every right to bitch about nascar. We as fans however, nascar have forgotten the fans are the reason nascar even around. Do you honestly think if there were no fans, nascar would even be around? Nascar is around because they have fans, (getting smaller) and the TV companies knows it and buy time to show the races on tv. If nascar keep getting a smaller fan base because of their stupid stunts and forgetting that the fans is what nascar is. Tv could pull the plug or down size the tv coverage. So as a fan I have every right to bitch.
Nascar is definitely headed in the wrong direction with this ridiculous car.
Sounds like CP is an authority on the COT. I wonder how many laps he/she has made with it?
only 3 laps with it
Bob you make a very good point about the ratings are dropping and there is only one thing that can be done. And that is to get rid of the COT, the TV companies will find out very quickly that this was the worst mistake that NASCAR could have made. Now is the time to change to cars that each company designs. Chevy can have a Chevy and Ford can have a Ford and so on and so forth. If they do this soon they might keep the sport alive. If they don’t this will turn to a bigger disaster then it is now!!! And the reason Cory has only 3 laps with it is it is that bad the thing could not make 4.
I’ve been a NASCAR fan for a long,long time.I remember watching Junior race(and I don’t mean Dale either) like it was yesterday.Simply put,I’m about as disappointed in NASCAR as I have ever been.That car of tomorrow just plain looks stupid for a stock car.Since NASCAR is trying to copy the NFL playoffs with the Chase to the Championship,instead of restrictor plates why don’t they just strap a giant football to the top of the cars.The champion used to be the guy who had to best season,now it’s whoever gets lucky at the end of the year.Also,in the NFL,the teams that don’t make the playoffs stay home.To DrD & LEE,damned right I’m bitching.I’ve been to hundreds of NASCAR races over the years(got the ticket stubs to prove it,too) and gave NASCAR $1000s upon $1000s of my hard earned dollars.So you know I know a lot of other race fans and most are disappointed just as me,or more so.I can’t believe the hardcore fans I’ve known who are simply fed up with NEXTEL CUP racing.Busch,too.The COT is nothing.No Southern 500.No Rock.(California gives away free tickets just to try to fill the stands and they still can’t fill them.)No North Wilkesboro.Cookie cutter tracks.High ticket prices.Drivers nobody ever heard of still in diapers and sucking on their pacifiers.Meaningless championship.Frequent rule changes.Preferential treatment to certain teams and drivers.(Wonder why the Lowe’s car wins so much at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.)Whole NASCAR season finally makes the major networks only to take many of the races back to cable.I could go on and on but it’s getting late and I got to work tomorrow.Bye,bye NEXTEL CUP.Bye,bye BUSCH.Hello Whelen Modified.Hey,I still like racing.