Proposed F1 Rear Wing Design Change

Last week, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile, which administers Formula 1, proposed a solution. It proposed a new design that incorporates a "Centreline Downwash Generating Wing." Instead of the traditional rear wing on the car, which generates "downforce" that helps keep the car on the road, the CDG wing design consists of two smaller wings over each of the rear wheels.

The result is much less turbulence behind the car, which should allow for more passing.

Wired News: Formula 1 Eases Into Passing Lane

Now this would be very interesting. I love watching F1 (even though most of the races are broadcast at 0730 on Sunday mornings). This would definitely make for more overtaking during the races, since there's less aerodynamic disadvantage to closing the distance behind the leading car.

As for NASCAR being popular because of passing, well, I'll keep my opinions of NASCAR and its fans to myself....