Associated Press
CONCORD ó Bobby Allison was not the only one of NASCAR’s top drivers, but also a whiz in the garage. He was hardly bashful on Sunday in declaring he “started the aerodynamic revolution” when he designed Chevrolet’s Monte Carlo in the late 1960s.
“That gave them a car that was truly a step into modern aerodynamics,” Allison said. “Now that’s gone too far.”
Before serving as the grand marshal for the Coca-Cola 600 ó a race he won three times ó Allison was bemoaning NASCAR’s shift of racing cars that closely resembled those in dealership showrooms to the space-age Car of Tomorrow.
“We need cars that the fans in the grandstand can really relate to,” Allison said.
NASCAR shifted to the boxier, more aerodynamic car in hopes of creating competitive balance and reducing costs. But as he took part in the celebration of the 50th running of Charlotte’s Memorial Day weekend race, Allison was pining for the return of cars with an identity.
“One had an advantage one place and another had an advantage somewhere else. It’s still balanced out pretty good and racing was good,” Allison said. “Racing is still really good because the competitors put that extra little piece in there, too. No matter what the rules are the competitors adjust and go on and compete.
“But if they were riding in something that was recognizable to the people buying that ticket in the grandstand I think it would be more attractive.”
Allison just wasn’t expecting NASCAR to heed his suggestions.
“They have always had my phone number, but the only time I can remember them using it was when they called me up to tell me I’d done something wrong,” Allison said. “I may get a phone call about this comment right now.”