NASCAR's governing body mulls making change to car

A NASCAR official confirmed the sanctioning body is looking at the idea of replacing the rear wing on Sprint Cup cars with a spoiler to improve the racing.

Nothing has been set, although a report on Foxsports.com states such a change could take place by mid-March, when the series races at Bristol or Martinsville.

"We are currently meeting with drivers and owners to discuss a number of options," NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said. "Going back to the spoiler is one of them under serious consideration. We'll make an announcement in the coming weeks."

Questions from fans about the quality of the competition dogged NASCAR last year as Jimmie Johnson won a record-breaking fourth consecutive Cup championship. The current car, which debuted in 2007, replaced the spoiler with the rear wing.

On the tube

Speed Channel's "NASCAR Race Hub" returns at 7:30 p.m. Monday. The network also will air a four-episode program called "Countdown to the Daytona 500," detailing how Joe Gibbs Racing prepares for the season-opener. The first hour-long installment is at 6 p.m. Jan. 24.

HBO's behind-the-scenes show with Jimmie Johnson - "24/7 Jimmie Johnson Race to Daytona" - debuts Jan. 26.

While ESPN has announced plans to show some sporting events in 3D, beginning this summer with World Cup soccer, a spokesperson said there are no plans to air NASCAR races in 3D this year.

Richmond tickets

Tickets for the Nationwide (April 30) and Sprint Cup (May 1) races at Richmond International Raceway go on sale at 9 a.m. today. Tickets can be purchased at www.rir.com or by calling (866) 455-7223.

Lineup change

Ken Schrader will drive in place of Scott Speed at Red Bull Racing in the Feb. 6 Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway. Schrader is eligible as a former winner; Speed is not. Speed will resume his driving duties in that car after the event.

Baby news

Three Cup drivers - Carl Edwards, Elliott Sadler and Johnson - will become first-time fathers this season. Edwards' wife is due in mid-February, Sadler's wife in March and Johnson's wife in July.

New name

Call it Charlotte Motor Speedway again. The track most recently known as Lowe's Motor Speedway has changed its name back to its old name after its contract with Lowe's ended last year.

Working together

BAM Racing, which is returning this season, announced an alliance with Robby Gordon Motorsports. BAM will receive technical support, race cars and personnel. A driver has not yet been announced.

Pit stops

Keyed-Up Motorsports, which has ties to Virginia Beach, named Doug Richert crew chief.... Kevin Harvick and Sadler will combine to drive 15 races in a Kevin Harvick Inc. truck in the Camping World Truck Series.... Front Row Motorsports announced Travis Kvapil and Kevin Conway will drive for its two-car Cup operation.