NASCAR: Drivers test rear spoiler

Joe Gibbs Racing driver Kyle Busch talks with reporters during a stop in the NASCAR Media Tour in Concord, N.C., Monday, Jan. 18, 2010. The team signed Busch to a long-term extension, ensuring he won't be distracted while the team attempts to return him to championship-contending form. Team president J.D. Gibbs said the deal has actually been signed for some time, but the team wanted the news out so it can focus on the upcoming year. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)

By Stephen Hawkins

Associated Press

FORT WORTH, Texas —

Kurt Busch sees no problems with the rear spoiler that NASCAR is in the process of adapting to replace the rear wing, a move that could enhance the passing ability of cars this season while providing a more traditional look.

"This spoiler, it seems to add front downforce," Busch said Tuesday, after being one of the first drivers to try out the change. "Don't ask me how it does it. ... When you bolt something on the back of the car and it adds to the front, that's how space-age these cars are getting."

Tony Stewart, Greg Biffle, Brian Vickers and Busch did the first on-track testing of the spoiler, each running several laps with the aluminum spoiler instead of a rear wing during their Goodyear tire test at the 11/2-mile, high-banked Texas Motor Speedway.

"I really liked it. I liked the way the car drove, it drove a little bit different on the corner exit than I think the wing did," Biffle said. "I don't want to jump to conclusions (but) it may have had a little feel like the old car possibly in some scenarios. ... It seemed to drive good."

The two-day tire test is scheduled to conclude Wednesday, when the four drivers will likely do some laps together with spoilers in place.

Three years ago, NASCAR phased in a new model of race car that replaced the spoiler with a wing. The new car has been used full-time since 2008, and fans have complained it has made the racing boring.

NASCAR last May began a series of town hall and individual meetings with teams, and one of the constant cries from participants was a need to alter the car design.

"I think we're stirring up the pot, but it's in a positive direction," Busch said. "It seems like a positive reaction has been made already, and just driving it the first time today, I don't see any problem in at all. I hope that it creates the aesthetic view that the fans want to see with the spoiler back on the decks of these cars."