A Current Affair

Now that Phoenix is out of the way, the last step in the implementation phase of the Car of Tomorrow, Red Bull Racing Team members can begin their final fling with the car they’ve come to know and love.

This weekend’s finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway marks the final race for the so-called current car whose bullet-shaped body style was introduced in 1981. Nearly three decades have been spent perfecting this car, so excuse Brian Vickers and others should they need a little extra time to say good-bye.

Building two styles of race car has been a royal pain in the rear, but there is an emotional attachment to the current machine. BV’s first Nextel Cup victory came in one, as did Red Bull Racing Team’s first top five. AJ Allmendinger has taken quite a liking to the COT, but his best showing came without a wing.

“I’m excited to drive these real race cars for one last time,” Vickers said after finishing 21st Sunday at Phoenix. “These COTs are far from a real race car. It’s going to be fun to get at least one last run in the old car.”

As for BV’s Phoenix race, he started at the rear of the field because of a Friday engine change and fell a lap down twice with brake problems. He hung on, however, remained on the lead lap and finished 21st.