Fine-tuning possible for Talladega plate: NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton said Tuesday that its possible a car of tomorrow test next week at Talladega Superspeedway could result in allowing Nextel Cup teams restrictor plates with larger openings for October’s race. The Oct. 7 race at Talladega will be the first using the COT for a restrictor-place race. “We’ll be there next week for a two-day test, fine-tuning the plate size and things of that nature,” Pemberton said. “This car will allow us to open up the restriction a little bit on the engine. They'll make a considerable amount of horsepower more than what they have raced at Talladega and Daytona in the past.” The openings in the plates allow air into the carburetor, so bigger openings would mean more power. With the current openings, drivers keep their accelerators planted all the way down. The hope is that bigger plates would give them some throttle response and with it the ability to get more power when it’s needed to complete a pass. (Charlotte Observer/Thatsracin)