Not all of the changes envisioned for next year’s NASCAR series revolve around body styles. Under the skin, there is a revolution brewing and it’s interesting to understand who the players are. Cars running in the Sprint Cup series are going to switch to fuel injection next year and the lead supplier is McLaren Electronics.

Series officials have been hesitant in the past to make this move, citing difficulties in enforcing a level playing field for all entrants. McLaren, who have provided systems to the IndyCar Series in the past and are the official supplier of ECUs (Engine Control Units) in Formula 1, say they can ensure a cheat-proof system.

The current carburetion systems will be replaced by a Holley-manufactured throttle body and an intake manifold designed to accommodate eight fuel injectors. Race teams will be able to tune their ECUs through software and operating parameters may vary from one track to another, as is allowed now for the carbureted setup.

Initial applications will be restricted to engine management issues, but a wide range of possibilities for future expansion is anticipated. The first appearance of the injected cars is expected for next year’s Daytona 500 event. While it is not clear that all 2012 races will run with FI, NASCAR intends to complete the conversion before year’s end. BWD has been tapped to supply the fuel injectors, while Freescale Semiconductor will supply the ECU’s controller chip.

In the current series, cars run with a restrictor plate that is installed under a Holley-built carburetor. Perhaps there is a space reserved for it in the NASCAR Hall of Fame, above.