Nicholas Daniels

By Jon Ryan

In NASCAR, the cars need to be stock and are sedans. The majority of the cars are American made. Chevy and ford seem to be the preferred make for NASCAR driver’s. Although, recently you might have noticed an increase in Toyota vehicles as well. NASCAR does have specific requirements for the cars that enter the races.

Part of the requirements are stock parts, for example, the hood and trunk are stock. Although, there can be modifications done to other parts of the vehicles, they had to say within guidelines set by NASCAR. For the most part, the only thing that is left as stock on the cars is the hood and the trunk.

In the recent past it was common to notice similarities among the cars in a race. Typically the majority of the cars weigh around 3,300 pounds and the wheelbase is around 110 inches. The shape of the cars needs to meet specific criteria. This is to ensure equality among the driver’s. One would have to win because of their skill, not because they had different aerodynamics. Also, this would minimize some of the tactics used by the drivers to get ahead.

Safety is very important when it comes to the design of the cars and the interior of them as well. Some of the features for safety that can be found inside a NASCAR are a reinforced gas tank, HANS (head and neck support system), roll cage and a windshield made of Lexan. The same material that is used to make riot shields.

All of the cars that are raced in the Nextel Cup Series have criteria they must follow. These specifications are V8 engines with a carburetor and rear wheel drive. All of the motors have to have a pushrod valve train. Each of the cylinders has to be worked by two valves, with a limitation of 5.8 liters displacement. With specifications like these, a NASCAR could easily run at over 9,000 rpm. However, because there is also a criteria for the transmission in a NASCAR, they are unable to run at the 9,000 rpm. The gear ratio is 1:1 and the rest of the ratios are set at 1.28:1. Technically, these cars could run in the Formula One races.

In 2006, NASCAR announced the new template for the cars. The CAR of Tomorrow, seems to still have many of the drivers and teams concerned. Although, with the change comes better safety, many are still wanting to stay with the current design template. The new design will be enforced in 2009 for all competitors.

The Nextel Cup will be changing its name soon. However, the game will be the same. The drivers and their teams will continue to find new and improved ways to increase the driving skills and the speed of the cars.

By Chuck R Stewart

I love taking my family to Nascar races. We are sure to get to at least one event each year and sometimes we get to two or three. I have taken the liberty of writing out my top ten reason why our family loves the day so much in the hopes that others will be able to benefit from a great family outing.

1) The People - The people at Nascar races are the most unique I have ever seen. People are from all walks of life. From the super-rich to the guy who hopes to be able to make his rent payment next month, they all come and they all share a common love for an afternoon - the race.

2) The Noise - There is nothing quite as exhilarating as the scream of a race car as it comes out of a turn and hits the gas for a long straightaway, whizzing past at speeds up to 200 MPH before needing to pull back on the reigns again - awesome!

3) The Event - Nascar races are run by professional people who do not overlook a single item in making sure the event is fan friendly. Their goal is to make the event a memory to last a lifetime and they pull it off each week, at every venue.

4) The Cars - I had an opportunity to sit in a Nascar car while it was being driven by a professional driver during a Richard Petty event. It was exciting, scary, nerve-racking, hot, loud, hand-clenching, cool thing I have ever experienced. My wife even loved it!

5) The Drivers - These guys are celebrities who typically make themselves available to the fans and always seem to remember why they are famous, which is because of the race. They get the fact that they are participating in a great venue and seem to genuinely appreciate the opportunity to be there.

6) The Souvenirs - Nascar collectibles and Nascar Memorabilia are some the most fascinating of any sport. I love to walk around the outer gates and check out the items vendors are selling as well as the Nascar-sponsored tents and booths inside of the race.

7) The Food - Food at a Nascar event is terrific. Though I have been known to tailgate events and bring lots of my own food to save a little money and eat before I go into the track, I now enjoy waiting to eat all of the different types of food that are at the events. Whether it is simple fare such as a hamburger and hot dog or more sophisticated tastings like steak and Italian food, it is all available at the event - Enjoy.

The Excitement - I get a chill up my spine each and every time I watch a race in person. When the engines are started and the race flag is dropped, when all the people in the stands are on their feet as the race begins, when the cars go right past where I am standing so close that I can feel the wind from their passing - I love it.

9) The Pits - Making a trip to the pits before a race is very special. It provides the fan the chance to see up close how intricate the cars are and how many people it takes to make one run correctly. While the lifestyle of a pit crew member may not be for everyone, it gives the fan a new perspective on what it takes to be a top level race professional.

10) The Race - All the excitement leads up to the actual race. The actual race provides more drama and excitement than most any sporting event. With speeds that boggle my mind and precision driving that only true professionals can pull off, the race is sure to be the crown jewel of any Nascar-filled day. Go and enjoy it to the fullest.