So why doesn't NASCAR make this simple change? Who knows. Instead they implement the most bizarre set of rules in auto racing history. We now restrict speeds by putting metal carburetor plates on intake barrels, and we place spoilers on trunk decks to stabilize cars and prevent them from becoming airplanes. This serves to reduce speeds and improve the handling characteristics of cars. But smaller engines reduce speeds, and better handling isn't needed at slower speed. Today's rules make all the cars run the same speed. It takes the engine builders and chief mechanics out of the game. To a large extent it even takes drivers out of the game. We now run in a 20 car draft. Not a bad idea if NASCAR had 20 professional drivers. Unfortunately they don't. But fear not, neither does the Indy circuit or Formula 1. The truth is there are at any given time about 15 pros on the circuit. Oh sure they are all pros. So are the Class A Columbia Bombers, but they are a long way from their major league counterparts, and there is a big difference between the driving ability of Jeff Gordon and Brett Bodine. In a 20 car draft there are at least five drivers that should still be driving short tracks. Problem is, a 15 car race is not too exciting, so 40 or so cars are allowed to "make the field." Twenty five can't win, but they all get a shot, and frankly wrecks are part of the reason people go to stock car races. More cars, more wrecks, more ticket sales. It's the American way.