The debut of the car of tomorrow came and went without coming close to living up to its hype yesterday in the Food City 500. There was the usual Bristol bumpin' of fenders, spinning cars and plenty of lead changes. The only noticeable difference was for the drivers. Most of them agree that the COTs don't handle as well and some are still skeptical about it--even the race winner:
Kyle Busch: "I can't stand to drive this thing but we have to."
Jeff Gordon: "I'm concerned what that might be like at the bigger tracks."
Dale Earnhardt Jr.: "Passing was tougher 'cause nobody's cars handled quite as good."
Some didn't notice too much of a difference ... several of them weigh in with their pre- and post-race opinions in this ESPN segment, which also includes additional anaylsis of the COT:
The car of tomorrow is here to stay--most likely NASCAR will expect drivers and fans to fully embrace it in 2008.
The burning question I have is: How long will it be before the top of those ugly big black "wings" are covered with pretty sponsor's paint and/or stickers? That's prime pristine real estate!




