NASCAR plans no changes for Daytona 500

As expected Thursday, ambient temperatures in the low 80s created challenges for Sprint Cup teams competing in the pair of Gatorade Duel 150-mile qualifying races for the Daytona 500. The aftermath led to widespread whining about the effects of hotter engine temperatures and its effect on performance. It also led to potential suggestions from engine companies to help the overall cooling package.

But on Friday morning NASCAR said it anticipated no additional changes to the Cup cars' cooling systems prior to Sunday's Daytona 500. Temperature projections for Sunday are below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with a 50 percent chance of thunderstorms.

"We continue to monitor things and work with the teams," Sprint Cup Series director John Darby said on Friday morning. "We remind ourselves that the water temperatures are managed by the drivers themselves. Currently, we don't anticipate making any changes." NASCAR.com