Daytona 500 Rules Packaged Released

By Sam Atwell

When the teams left the Daytona International Speedway most teams were happy with the results they saw on the track.  They just didn't know what changes NASCAR would make to the rules for the Daytona 500.  On Friday NASCAR released the updated rules package to be used for this year's race in Daytona.
The rules package includes:

• The same restrictor plate that teams used on the final day of testing (29/32nds of an inch)
• The rear bumper (bigger) is moved two inches closer to the ground
• The front grille opening of 50"
• Radiator pressure release valve set at 25 psi

The most surprising change is the new rule regarding the bumper.  The new larger bumper is going to discourage the two-car drafting we have seen in the last few races at Daytona and Talladega by limiting the amount of air into the front grille that helps keep the engines cool.
Teams now have the task of preparing cars with the new information as we move closer to the official start of the 2012 racing season.