| When one thinks of NASCAR maybe the skill of the men who participate in these races will come to mind, but have we given a thought to the technology involved behind the NASCAR races? NASCAR technology has been evolved and gifted by the masterminds.
You are not mistaken to believe NASCAR is all about the people, their guts, skill and brains. Engineering have been given a back seat to the above. This has been done to maintain the human aspect in the NASCAR races, keeping the athletes as athletes. John Darby, the director of Nextel Cup, NASCAR series has said that, ‘We don’t want it to turn into more of a video game than a sport’.
But even though NASCAR strives hard to maintain the above image, NASCAR’s most successful teams are relying heavily on latest technology. The rules may keep some of the systems that are computerized out of the cup races that could be seen in many other major league races. Yet when testing, many teams rely on the finest electronics to fine-tune performance and gather data. Tim Smith, the Chip Ganassi Racing engineers mentions that, what is done during the off season is vital in preparing to have a winning season.
Race teams engage in different methods, determining the best setups for tracks. Experience plays the main role in deciding, as there can be no alternate to having been in the tracks and racing in them. For example, when racing in oval tracks, it would usually require the same kind of tweaks to the chassis, as they commonly come across only left turns. But in a track with right and left turns, these tweaks would be more disadvantageous than advantageous.
Many engineers work together with team engineers and teams on the road courses, engaged in replication work to try to understand the varying gear selections, which will help recognize the shift points, which with an engine torque and horse power curve can minimize lap times. Minimizing lap time is the main aim in Winston Cup races. Computer models, is the key word in modern race teams to help to determine a action plan for the GM Racing teams to use in Glen.
These are very few of the uses new technology has been put to use in when it comes to NASCAR. In preparation and in races NASCAR has been depending more and more on technological advances and this fact is getting more and more visible every day. |
