More changes

Not that NASCAR would ever make changes mid-stream, but here they go again.

They work for years to build a better mousetrap, only to find it has problems once you put it to use.

Yep, that’s the COT – Car of Tomorrow or Car of Today, also known to Kevin Harvick as the COF or Car on Fire. On Fast Talk Monday, NASCAR said the melting, smoldering, fire issue with the right side door panel foam seemed to be relegated to the 29.

Both NASCAR and Dow Chemical are playing the blame game. The sanctioning body says the foam isn’t installed right, it’s too close to the exhaust or the barrier system isn’t thick enough.

Don’t they mandate the placement and equipment? Thought so.

Dow says they just provide the material and the foam has been in use for 50 years with no problems. They also insist any release from the material in marginally toxic.

Marginally toxic? Really? Weren’t drivers complaining of headaches after the Bristol race from something being emitted into the car?

NASCAR will issue a bulletin on how to “properly install” the right side foam before the next COT race April 21 in Phoenix. They seem to think all it needs is more air to stop the problem.

I understand the cars run hotter on a short track and the big ovals provide more air and room needed to keep things cooler. Maybe today’s changes in the door panel foam installation will alleviate the problem.

Don’t know until you try it out with the million-dollar talent in the driver seats.