Science of Speed - Science360 - The Knowledge Network

Science of Speed

You can't win NASCAR races without getting the science right. NSF has partnered with NASCAR in the production of the "Science of Speed", a fast-paced 12-part video series that explains the scientific principles that are so essential to the NASCAR experience

Science of Speed: Balance
A perfectly balanced car keeps NASCAR drivers on the edge of racing

Science of Speed: Firesuits
Firesuits protect NASCAR drivers from extreme tempertures

Science of Speed: Momentum and Time
Decreasing the force of impact by increasing the amount of collision time

Science of Speed: Load Transfer
NASCAR corners are divided into three parts because the car's grip changes in different parts of a turn.

Science of Speed: Power
Efficient engines give NASCAR racers more speed.

Science of Speed: Turning
A turn on the racetrack can prevent a racecar driver from turning his head at all

Science of Speed: Friction and Heat
Sometimes friction can help or hurt NASCAR racing teams

Science of Speed: Tires and Pressure
The phyics of NASCAR tires keep driving teams in touch with the track

Science of Speed: Sound
Waves of sound let NASCAR fans feel and hear the power of race car engines

Science of Speed: Grip
Grip, the force that binds all NASCAR drivers

Science of Speed: Car Safety
Car safety protects NASCAR drivers from the extreme forces of a car crash

Science of Speed: Drag & Drafting
Getting out of the "drag" and into the "draft"