IN 2009 NASCAR severely limited any on-track bump ‘n’ grind because it didn’t want drivers taking each other out and compromising the spectacle of good racing. Also, drivers were being fined and reprimanded for bad language and aggressive behaviour. The aim was to keep the racing clean and the sponsors happy, but while it might have helped corporate backers, the fans, the drivers and the racing all suffered.

Now, in 2010 drivers can be their nasty, aggro selves again and trading paint is back in fashion. NASCAR’s Vice President of competition said when it comes to bumping the overseers “will put it back in the hands of drivers, and we will say ‘Boys, have at it and have a good time,’” and drivers will be allowed a greater degree of personal expression. The new, looser NASCAR rules try to merely assist competitors in keeping things “within reason,” and drivers are likely to explore those boundaries pretty quickly.

The cars are also coming in for revision too, with a rear spoiler setup eventually replacing the current rear wing. The goal is to improve downforce and the look of the car.

But will all of this improve the racing? Anything will surely help.

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