Aerodynamics

Daytona: Speed and Secondary Accidents

We all know — and frequently remind ourselves — that racing will never be 100% safe. That doesn’t stop us from being stunned when it happens. The 2020 Daytona 500 Let’s first give thanks for […]

Centripetal Force

Daytona Banking

You don’t need another countdown to Daytona, but perhaps a little more information about Daytona will help you appreciate it that much more when it does come. A large part of that is the banking. […]

Aerodynamics

One NASCAR Rules Package for All Tracks?

NASCAR wants to cut costs for teams by developing a rules package that, with minimal tweaking, provides good racing at any track. The 2019 rules package met with mixed results. Races were mostly better at […]

Graphs and Charts

Was Phoenix a ‘Bad Race’?

A lot was written last week about the Phoenix race being a ‘bad race’ — but was it? In comparison to what? The typical race at Phoenix? Our memories of races at Phoenix? Our expectations? […]

Cooling
Road Courses

Which NASCAR Tracks Are Most Accident Prone?

With Bristol this weekend, thoughts turn naturally to carnage. Short track racing means accidents. Given the greater-than-usual level of aggression among drivers this year, we can expect there to be at least a few collisions.

But does short-track mayhem hold a candle to Daytona and Talladega? Let’s see. […]

Montage of speed-related pictures
Aerodynamic Forces
Aerodynamics
Charlotte Roval

The Roval is Just a Really Fast Road Course

This weekend marks the very first time NASCAR has run a race on the Charlotte Roval: a combination of the oval track we run in May with select portions of the road course in the infield. It’s a unique situation because, unlike most road courses, this one is contained. Fans will be able to see the entire course. Everyone is looking forward to seeing something new on this one-of-a-kind hybrid track. […]

Aerodynamics

Sciencing Out NASCAR Rules Changes

Rules changes in NASCAR are tricky.  There’s really no way to test them before implementing them. You’re relying on the judgement and experience of the NASCAR team, with input from race teams, drivers, Goodyear and […]