[HJJ]

NASCAR Saturday unveiled a new look for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car, an integral and exciting step in the rollout process of the sixth generation race car.

“These changes are an extension of the unprecedented collaboration with the auto manufacturers on the 2013 car, great industry feedback and our focus on increasing fan affinity as part of NASCAR’s Industry Action Plan,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR senior vice president of racing operations, who introduced the new design at Homestead-Miami Speedway today.

The sixth-generation car look will debut with the opening of the 2013 Speedweeks, highlighted by the 55th running of the Daytona 500 on February 24 at Daytona International Speedway. Among the updates:

• The driver’s last name featured on the windshield;
• Sponsor decals will not be permitted on the headlights and taillights, two key distinguishing characteristics of the auto manufacturers’ brand;
• Car numbers will be moved from the lights to the front and rear bumpers;
• A single sponsor logo will be permitted on the roof under the number;
• Team sponsor decals will be permitted to extend past the front edge of the b-post;
• “Step and repeat” / background patterns will be permitted on the sides of the car;
• Due to the slightly smaller car, the car number will be reduced by 10 percent and the contingency decals will be reduced to 26 square inches.

The new Chevrolet will be unveiled on Thursday, Nov. 29, in Las Vegas during NASCAR Champion’s Week.

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