NASCAR to neuter cars for All-Star race (Update)

If any track needs restrictor plates to cut speeds and blown tires, it's Texas, not Charlotte.

UPDATE This rumor is upgraded to 'fact' today. NASCAR will use an aerodynamic package for its May 19 All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway that will include an engine restrictor plate and front aero ducts that will move the air to the side of the car before it hits the front wheel.

The package, which also includes a six-inch spoiler equipped with additional six-inch "ears" at the ends, was used in the 2017 Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis. The Xfinity Series will use the package at Michigan, Pocono and Indianapolis this year.

By restricting air flow through the engine (the restrictor plate with holes of 7/8ths of an inch will cut horsepower by about 250) and creating more drag with the rear spoiler (which is normally just 2.375 inches high), NASCAR hopes to create a drafting dynamic similar to Daytona where drivers can be three wide or four wide and run a similar speed.

"The yearly Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race is an opportunity to see your favorite drivers compete under a unique and exciting format and rules package," NASCAR executive vice president Steve O'Donnell said. "The positive feedback following last year's Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis gave us the foundation to implement this dynamic package for the All-Star Race.

"We believe the hard work of the entire industry will provide the best race for our passionate fans."

04/11/18 Clint Bowyer's spotter said on a podcast this week that NASCAR will use restrictor plates for next month's All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. It would be the first time restrictor plates have been used at that track in Cup.

"This is going to happen,'' said Brett Griffin on the podcast "Door Bumper Clear on Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Dirty Mo Radio. "They're going to put restrictor plates on these cars for the All-Star Race. They're going to knock like 250 horsepower off. We're going to run, I think we're basically running the Xfinity package from Indy … last year. I was told top speed is going to be around 170 miles an hour.''

NASCAR would not confirm the change Tuesday. NBC Sports has learned through industry sources that are not authorized to speak publicly about it that the move is expected to be made. Teams are expected to be notified soon and an official announcement made this week. NBC Sports

Xfinity cars get aero changes

NASCAR is planning to use next month's Monster Energy NASCAR All-Star Race as a test of the Xfinity Series aero package debuted last season at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Motorsport.com has learned.
The aero package used in the Xfinity Series last season included a restrictor-plate, but even more importantly, aero ducts on the front spoilers and a taller rear spoiler.

For the Xfinity Series package, the aero ducts – which move air out of the front wheel wells and create a larger wake – increased the draft envelope by approximately 25 percent, which generally allowed the trailing car to race closer to the leading car.

The restrictor-plates slowed the field down and helped prevent the leading car from running away from the field.

The package received generally positive reviews following last year's Xfinity race at Indy. The race produced an event record 16 lead changes across an event-record eight different drivers. Motorsport