Kenseth had nothing for Edwards. He even said on the radio that he was a sitting duck. Flash might have, but obviously, his tars didn’t. I don’t know whether the lid being off makes more hp, but if it does, there’s a legitimate gripe, especially with the harsh penalty against Robby Gordon.
The lid being off would not make more horsepower. Technically if the oil is hotter than normal, it will cut horsepower. Heat in an engine is caused by friction. Hotter than normal oil reduces lubricating viscosity, increasing friction.
But knowing the aero package on the COT is very specific, anything that alters the air flow over or under the car could be good, or bad for handling. Back in the pack nobody seemed to be able to make significant gains. Only the leading 3 or 4 cars ever seemed to have a good handle.
I have trouble seeing there was any kind of aero advantage, but the rules are rules. The lid on the oil cooler is more of a safety item anyhow. Any hot oil leak inside the cockpit of the car could be very serious.
Last night Carl, on tv, said they would take the penalty. Whatever happened, accidental or intentional, there will be a penalty. They will have to move on, just like Jimmy and Jeff and Kurt and everyone else who had penaltys before.