AT TALLADEGA, ALA.: NASCAR throws a curve (The Charlotte Observer)

Restrictor plates change sizes DAVID POOLE dpoole@charlotteobserver.com TALLADEGA, Ala. - Reacting to speeds that topped 198 mph in practice Friday, NASCAR reduced the size of the openings in the carburetor restrictor plates to be used in today's UAW-Ford 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. The plates that restrict the flow of air into the engine will have seven-eighths inch openings, a reduction of a 1/64 of an inch. That means about 10 fewer horsepower and should cut about 5 mph from the average lap ...