[brucepick]

Finally, a good use for a Romney poster!

As for wheel spats, I think directing any air out away from under the car is better than sending it under the car. Once away from the car, it will have nearly no effect on your aero. If under the car, it will find whatever drag and interference there is down there. That's why a common recommendation is a low front lip PLUS thorough side skirts, to create a vacuum and maintain it as air flows rearward.

I'm not saying you need complete side skirts for spats to be useful. Just saying, I think getting the air away from there is a good thing.