Auto Racing Notes

By: Times-Dispatch Staff | The Associated Press
Published: January 27, 2012

CHARLOTTE, N.C. --

Since the system isn't broken, NASCAR officials have no plans to change it — at least nothing radical.

The sport enjoyed one of its most exciting seasons last year, culminating with Tony Stewart winning his third Sprint Cup championship in the last race of the season. NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France said the sport is "in a very good place" as it moves toward another season beginning next month with the Daytona 500.

But France also believes it can be even better.

So while NASCAR will pretty much leave well enough alone, they will make a few minor tweaks, including taking some measures to address reducing two-car tandem racing at Daytona and Talladega.

"We have had a breathtaking number of close finishes at those tracks, but the fans want a mixture of styles, including a return to a more traditional 'pack racing' and that close side-by-side competition that's unique to Talladega and Daytona," France said Thursday at NASCAR's annual preseason press conference.

France said the two-car tandem racing "evolved into something that no one saw coming, and now we're going to deal with that."

NASCAR's vice president of competition Robin Pemberton said some changes will be made to the cars, including adding a slightly larger restrictor plate, a smaller spoiler and softer springs.

Those changes will be made beginning at Daytona next month.

Pemberton also said NASCAR will be implementing some similar adjustments to the Nationwide and the Camping World Truck Series.

NASCAR also will introduce electronic fuel injection into the Sprint Cup Series.

Founder, chairman of Pocono Raceway dies

Joseph Mattioli, the founder and chairman of Pocono Raceway, has died following a lengthy illness, NASCAR officials announced Thursday. He was 86.

Mr. Mattioli, a dentist known as "Doc" to friends and associates, founded Pocono Raceway in the early 1960s and ran the speedway for more than four decades with his wife of 63 years, Rose. Under his leadership, the track grew in stature and has hosted 68 very successful NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events.

Mattioli and his wife retired last year, handing over control of Pocono Raceway to their eldest three grandchildren.

Mr. Mattioli is survived by his wife, daughters Louie and Michele, and son Joseph Mattioli III, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Elsewhere

Richard Petty Motorsports has formed a Nationwide Series team for Michael Annett.

Ryan Dalziel captured the pole for Grand-Am's 24-hour race at Daytona International Speedway. Max Angelelli will be on the outside pole, and Scott Dixon will start third.