The 90s NASCAR Phenomenon: When Low-Riding Cars Made Champions Tremble
In the world of motorsports, the term 'lowrider' typically conjures images of customized cars with chassis skimming the ground. But during the 1990s, NASCAR witnessed a unique twist on this concept, where cars became 'lowriders' in a different sense, causing quite a stir among drivers and fans alike.
Imagine a car with its rear end significantly lower than the front, almost scraping the track surface. This was the sight during qualifying at the iconic Daytona and Talladega superspeedways. Three-time Cup champion crew chief Ray Evernham reminisced about a car he prepared for Jeff Gordon in the 1999 Daytona 500, where the rear end was a staggering seven inches lower than the front due to the lack of regulations at the time. Dale Earnhardt Jr. echoed this, explaining how they'd rake the frame rails at extreme angles to lower the cars even further.
But here's where it gets controversial: the art of manipulating shock absorbers to achieve this 'lowrider' effect. Veteran crew chief and broadcaster Larry McReynolds was a master of this technique. He described how they'd adjust the shocks to hold the cars down so firmly that drivers' voices would quiver over the radio, and they'd struggle to read the dashboard gauges due to the intense bouncing. And this is the part most people miss—the harsher the ride, the faster the car went!
Former crew chief and NASCAR vice president Robin Pemberton shared a humorous anecdote about a set of shocks they called 'super-duper double down driver killers.' These shocks were their secret weapon when they needed a speed boost at Daytona or Talladega. But the story of these lowriders isn't just about speed; it's also about the challenges of regulation.
NASCAR initially aimed to ban these modified shocks but soon realized the difficulty of enforcing such a rule. Imagine having to inspect every shock absorber on every car! So, the lowrider era continued, with teams pairing these shocks with soft rear springs, creating a dramatic visual effect. Cars would appear to ride on their tailpipes or carry extra weight, only to suddenly pop back up as they prepared to return to the track.
However, the era of unrestricted shock tuning came to an end after the 2000 Daytona 500. NASCAR took control of shock adjustments, providing teams with standardized shocks to ensure a level playing field. But this decision sparked controversy. Racing legend Dale Earnhardt criticized the move, claiming it took away the essence of NASCAR racing and resulted in one of the most uneventful Daytona 500s in recent memory, with only nine lead changes.
The debate over the lowrider shocks and their impact on racing raged on, even as NASCAR continued to refine its rules. In 2018, they eliminated regulations on rear shocks, though the extreme rake of the 90s had already become a thing of the past.
Written by Jerry Bonkowski, a seasoned sportswriter with an impressive resume, including USA Today, ESPN.com, and Yahoo Sports, his passion for racing began at the U.S. 30 Dragstrip. Jerry's extensive coverage of NASCAR, IndyCar, and NHRA races showcases his dedication to the sport, and his book, 'Trading Paint: 101 Great NASCAR Debates,' is a testament to his expertise. When not writing, Jerry enjoys music, playing the electric keyboard, and spending time with his family, including his three dogs, who keep him company while he crafts his next racing masterpiece.
