Opinion: The “Toyota Rule Change”, What it means.
By Bram • Jul 24th, 2008 • Category: Racer
Still the Scottish Racer
The complaints of the Camry’s NNS success have been loud. NASCAR acted on the complaints. There will be far-reaching effects because of it.
In today’s announcement from NASCAR R&D amending the Nationwide Series Rule Book: section 20A – 5.10.4 is amended as follows:
“At all Events, unless otherwise specified, all engines with a cylinder bore spacing less than 4.470 inches must compete using a tapered spacer with four (4) 1.125-inch diameter holes. At all Events, unless otherwise specified, all engines with a cylinder bore spacing of 4.470 inches or more must compete using a tapered spacer with four (4) 1.100-inch diameter holes. Unless otherwise authorized, the carburetor restrictor will be issued by NASCAR.”
This is a single manufacturer rule change at this point.
Toyota’s statement from Lee White, President and General Manager TRD, U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development)
“We’re extremely disappointed in NASCAR’s decision. In our opinion, there is no technical justification to penalize the Toyota engine utilized in the Nationwide Series.
“The success of the Toyota Camry this year in the Nationwide Series is the result of hard work and achievement by all of our race teams — Braun Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, Germain Racing and Michael Waltrip Racing –working in conjunction with TRD U.S.A. (Toyota Racing Development). All the tireless efforts by our teams, TRD and Triad during the off-season, at pre-season testing and during the first half of the year, combined with extremely talented drivers, have produced exceptional results.
“Despite this setback, we will continue to work diligently to keep our Nationwide teams competitive. Our hope remains that a Toyota team or driver will be rewarded with a championship at the conclusion of this year.
“Toyota always has, and will continue to, abide by all NASCAR-mandated engine specifications.
“Unfortunately, the decision by NASCAR could be more far-reaching than simply mandating Toyota to adjust its Nationwide engine. The real impact will be felt by the Toyota teams as they adjust to the change, work to remain competitive for the remainder of this season and attempt to line up their sponsorships for next year.”
Clearly a rule directed at Toyota’s dominating success, particularly the success of the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Camry in the Nationwide Series.
I spoke briefly with Dave Rogers, crew chief and the man that has been responsible for the success of that entry in 2008 to get an understanding of what this all means.
We really didn’t expect this.” Roger began. “I’m surprised and disappointed with the rule changes NASCAR made regarding the tapered carburetor spacer that we will have to use in competition. I was under the impression that there was parity among the manufactures.”
As to what this actually means in term of performance for the rest of this season, Rogers says ” We won’t know really what the resulting issues may be until we get to the track, it can hurt distribution to cylinders, cause possible engine failures that we haven’t experienced. The cars will be more sluggish coming off the corners; we won’t see the acceleration response we’re used to.”
Is this a penalty (after a fashion) for JGR, Toyota and TRD developing a strong engine package?
“TRD did their homework before entering the Nationwide series and our JGR employees made the sacrifices necessary to complete the change over from one manufacturer to Toyota.” continued Rogers. “Our on-track performance this year has served as a reward to our employees for their efforts over the off-season. This rule change serves as a discouragement.”
