Restrictor plate racing in 2011 was more about making sure the driver behind you is locked right onto the bumper, and the move to the front is made at exactly the right time. Nicknames for this type of racing became known quickly and were said often.
The "tandem draft" or "two-car tango" became synonymous with Daytona and Talladega. Some fans loved it, other fans loathed it.
For NASCAR, they didn't mind the practice, but there became concerns quickly that the draft could hinder performance of the engines. All year long, changes were made to try and regulate the tandem draft, right down to the point where NASCAR regulated the products used on the bumpers to prevent sticking.
Now, 2012 will mean an entire new set of rules come Daytona.
NASCAR has now mandated changes to the front grille area and the cooling system to help control the draft when cars hook up.
What NASCAR is doing with the front grille area is moving the opening from the lower part of the bumper, where it currently is near the splitter, and moving it up to the bumper fascia, where normally the logo of the car model would be located.
This will mean when cars tuck up nose-to-tail, little to no air will be coming into the radiator to cool down the engine, which will force the drivers to pull out and do the old-style draft, with about a half car-length in between just so air comes into the motor to keep it cool.
But, the biggest change is going to be to the actual cooling system. The radiator for Daytona is being reduced from a five-gallon capacity to just two gallons. The accumulator can is also being reduced from one gallon to just a half-gallon.
The purpose, to make the cooling system less efficient, and forcing the move to run in open air and keep water from blowing out the overflow tube.
There is also a spring change, with softer spring rates mandated for Daytona, along with a bigger restrictor plate.
Testing earlier in December was done to see what could be done to regulate the tandem draft. In many drivers' opinions, it will reduce, but will never disappear completely. One of the most vocal drivers about the tandem draft was Dale Earnhardt Jr, who has won five races at Talladega and two at Daytona including the 2004 Daytona 500.
"I'm not exactly sure what they're trying to achieve to this point," Earnhardt Jr. said. "I know that they would like to have the pack racing we used to have. I will say, too, that NASCAR and the drivers are all in agreement that there is no way possible to get rid of the tandem drafting.
"But what we would like to do is make it possible to race without having to tandem draft the entire day...get back to where we're having passing, racing amongst the leaders, guys jostling around, moving in and out of packs and lines. Then, at the end if it comes down to a one- or two-lap tandem draft that wins the race, that would be expected by everyone here, NASCAR and the drivers as well."
The biggest change that could have a major effect is a shorter spoiler on the rear deck lid. At Daytona this past July, the spoiler height was 4.5-inches and the length was 63 inches. The spoilers at the test were only 62 inches in length, but the height of the spoiler was reduced down to just three inches.
No one will know how well the tandem draft will work until NASCAR returns to Daytona in February to begin practice for both the Daytona 500 and Budweiser Shootout. What is certain is that the tandem drafting has changed restrictor plate racing.
Some say for the better, many say for the worse. Unfortunately, it appears the practice will be here to stay, no matter what NASCAR decides to change.
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