Nationwide COT will not make its race debut until 2010

NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton said Monday at Lowe’s Motor Speedway that the Nationwide Series car of tomorrow would not be rolled out until 2010, setting a firm introduction of the new car for the first time.

NASCAR had originally discussed introducing the car as early as August 2009, but teams in the Nationwide Series complained about the cost of switching over to the new car and running the current version at the same time.

“We will not roll this thing out in 2009," Pemberton said. “In talking with the teams, we think it’s better for development to have a series of tests during 2009. We’ll continue to talk with them and to get it out there as early as possible.

“But as we run through the middle course of the summer, it appears that 2010 for the full season, starting in Daytona, will be the best option for us."

The Nationwide COT is a modified version of the Sprint Cup car, using the same chassis – with altered suspension – and a different body, including a spoiler instead of a wing and a smaller splitter. Scenedaily.com