A Nudge Or Two

The rear wing on the cars will be replaced with a spoiler this spring, possibly as early as March. This will give the cars a more traditional look—something that fans have been asking for since the introduction of the Car of Tomorrow in 2007—and give the drivers added downforce, which will make the cars easier to drive in traffic and through the corners. NASCAR hopes better-handling cars will encourage drivers to attempt more daring moves.

"Drivers were asking for these changes, and NASCAR listened," says Jimmie Johnson. "It could get very, very interesting out there this year."