The Associate Press reports that NASCAR informed Sprint Cup Series teams on Friday that it has scheduled an open test at Charlotte as part of a transition from the Car of Tomorrow's rear wing to a rear spoiler. The change had been discussed individually with teams, but there has been no formal announcement.
According to the AP's report, Cup Series director John Darby said in a memo issued to race teams that the spoiler will be tested March 23-24 at Charlotte. The following weekend's race at Martinsville – round six on this year's schedule – would be the earliest that the spoiler could appear in competition.
Darby said the size and shape of the spoiler, which will replace the rear wing on NASCAR's "Car of Tomorrow" design to adjust the downforce and balance of the car, will not be determined until NASCAR has a chance to do wind tunnel testing. NASCAR indicated that a spec supplier will be selected to produce the part, and teams will then have to purchase the spoiler from that vendor.
More details about the move are expected next week, along with other rule changes NASCAR plans to implement for races at restrictor-plate tracks. In addition, NASCAR will introduce the new specification of Nationwide Series car this year, which will also feature a spoiler instead of a rear wing.