NASCAR Aero Wars: NASCARs evolution mirrors the rapid pace of motorsports. From its humble beginnings, where Daytona Beach served as the backdrop for casual racing, to the prestigious status of the Daytona 500, the sport has been a journey of constant growth and transformation.
Like any motorsport, NASCAR has seen its defining moments, reminiscent of the recent concerns around the Next Gen car’s safety in 2022. A technical anomaly also marked its history – a chapter when the cars resembled showroom models and Richard Petty dominated with a unique blue machine: the 1970 Plymouth Superbird.
The Superbird, along with its winged twin, the Dodge Charger Daytona, introduced a new breed of cars known as the ‘Aero Cars.’ These machines boasted a radical design with triangular nose cones and towering rear wings, housing powerful HEMI V8 engines ranging from 426 to 440 cubic inches. Their groundbreaking performance shattered barriers, becoming the first to breach the 200 mph threshold in NASCAR, securing 14 victories over two seasons.
However, such dominance stirred unease among the governing body and competitors. Engine sizes were swiftly cut to 350 cubic inches, ostensibly in the interest of safety, considering the limitations of brakes and tires in handling speeds beyond 200 mph in the 1970s.
The reduced engine power significantly hampered the Aero Cars speed, coupled with the added weight of the nose cones and wings, leading to their eventual downfall.
Amidst the spotlight on the Charger Daytona and Superbird, Ford had its project in the works: the 1970 Ford Torino King Cobra. Crafted to challenge its rivals, this machine never got its shot in competition due to NASCAR’s regulation shift. Now, it remains a relic from an era where speed prevailed above all else in the sport.
Our Reader’s Queries
Who won the Aero Wars?
In the 1970 season, the Superbird and Charger Daytona from Dodge and Plymouth respectively, known as the Aero Wars, were the dominant forces. Bobby Issac emerged as the champion, thanks to these powerful machines.
Why was Dodge banned from NASCAR?
NASCAR wasn’t pleased with the speed, and the proof was clear. Buddy Baker shattered the speed record at Talladega Superspeedway, becoming the first driver to surpass 200mph. The Dodge Charger Daytona was a force to be reckoned with, dominating multiple races.
When was the Plymouth Superbird banned from NASCAR?
In 1971, NASCAR made significant changes to its rulebook, which had a major impact on the Dodge Charger Daytona, Ford Torino Talladega, Mercury Cyclone Spoiler, and Plymouth Superbird. These cars were essentially legislated out of existence, or at least out of being competitive. The new rules made it difficult for these models to keep up with the competition, and they were no longer able to perform at the same level as before. This was a significant blow to the manufacturers and fans of these iconic cars.
Who was the driver with 19 poles in 1969?
Bobby Isaac was a speed demon, always pushing the limits. His impressive feat of capturing 19 poles in 1969 still stands as the record for poles in a single season. His need for speed was unmatched, and he left his competitors in the dust.
