Nascar- How do cars pass each other if all are going top speed?

[JEDI]

all the cars are the same spec. ie: max mph
so if everyone is flooring it, how are they passing?

 

[boochi]

Some car engines produce more power than others and some cars handle better.

 

[boomhower]

They aren't the same spec. They are built according to the same rule book but more money buys more speed. Lower end teams can't afford wind tunnel time and an army of engineers. Horsepower is pretty close across the board as most engines only come from a couple of sources. Big difference is in the corners not the straights.

 

[LTC8K6]

Their top speed on the track varies by car, for various reasons, so some cars are able to make passes and pull away.

 

[UglyCasanova]

Athletic skill.

 

[DrPizza]

Even if their maximum speed was identical for all cars, they're not going their maximum speed in the corners - and some cars have more power = can accelerate to their maximum speed more quickly. Also, some handle better in the corners, thus can go a little faster in the corners.

 

[iCyborg]

And then there's drafting too.

 

[disappoint]

Tire wear, drafting/air resistance, suspension/handling is adjustable.

 

[LTC8K6]

all the cars are the same spec. ie: max mph
so if everyone is flooring it, how are they passing?

Qualifying shows you that all of the cars are actually slightly different.

 

[HamburgerBoy]

all the cars are the same spec. ie: max mph
so if everyone is flooring it, how are they passing?

Payoffs from the mafia. A lot of betting money at stake.

 

[TerryMathews]

No one mentioned driver skill....

Nvm, Casanova did.

 

[Hacp]

Corners. If you have more power, you turn corners better.

 

[MichaelD]

I've never found driving in circles interesting. However, I've ALWAYS found it highly amusing that these "NASCAR" and other sanctioning bodies cars' have decal headlights and door handles to make them look like the production car they are modeled after. They have tube frames, fiberglass bodies, etc...they are nowhere near a production car.

Here's my idea on how to make NASCAR truly FAIR, based soley on driver "skill". Take 30 stock Camaros, Mustangs, whatever and put slicks on them. All drivers pick a number out of a hat and that's which car they get. I'm talking totally stock. AC/Radio/Power seats/Airbags, etc. NOW show me you know how to drive, Bubba. I don't want to hear anything about "safety." You got'cher Airbag and your Seatbelt. There is nothing safe about driving 190+MPH in a traffic jam, in a circle, for hours on end. Let's make it interesting. Leave the glass in the windows and the Bluetooth radio activated. C'mon Bubba, drive that thang!!!

 

[Raduque]

I've never found driving in circles interesting. However, I've ALWAYS found it highly amusing that these "NASCAR" and other sanctioning bodies cars' have decal headlights and door handles to make them look like the production car they are modeled after. They have tube frames, fiberglass bodies, etc...they are nowhere near a production car.

Here's my idea on how to make NASCAR truly FAIR, based soley on driver "skill". Take 30 stock Camaros, Mustangs, whatever and put slicks on them. All drivers pick a number out of a hat and that's which car they get. I'm talking totally stock. AC/Radio/Power seats/Airbags, etc. NOW show me you know how to drive, Bubba. I don't want to hear anything about "safety." You got'cher Airbag and your Seatbelt. There is nothing safe about driving 190+MPH in a traffic jam, in a circle, for hours on end. Let's make it interesting. Leave the glass in the windows and the Bluetooth radio activated. C'mon Bubba, drive that thang!!!

NASCAR is not any different from the other racing leagues such as F1 or Indy. Neither of those are "fair".

As for the cars, they're moving away from generic same body shapes to cars that have actual body lines the same as the production vehicle they're based on. Look at the new Ford Fusion NASCAR body, it's got the same flat front end with an inset grill as the street car, yet still runs 200+ on a super speedway.

 

[Capt Caveman]

all the cars are the same spec. ie: max mph
so if everyone is flooring it, how are they passing?

Incorrect on both counts.

 

[BudAshes]

all the cars are the same spec. ie: max mph
so if everyone is flooring it, how are they passing?

It's like professional wrestling, it's all pretend until someone dies.

 

[Humpy]

They pass other drivers by driving it like y'all stole it... Boogity, Boogity, Boogity... until they get close enough to intimidate the the guy in front of 'em with the 'ol chrome horn. Then, in one of them racing deals that just happens sometimes, you ram the guy in front of ya so they spin and flip up into the fence in a big 'ol ball o' flame just before you speed by while flipping them the one finger salute. Rubbin' is racin' and eight wheels is better than four so, thanks to Budweiser, and Jesus, the Wonder Bread Ford Fusion was pretty fast today.

 

[iCyborg]

Here's my idea on how to make NASCAR truly FAIR, based soley on driver "skill". Take 30 stock Camaros, Mustangs, whatever and put slicks on them. All drivers pick a number out of a hat and that's which car they get. I'm talking totally stock. AC/Radio/Power seats/Airbags, etc. NOW show me you know how to drive, Bubba. I don't want to hear anything about "safety." You got'cher Airbag and your Seatbelt. There is nothing safe about driving 190+MPH in a traffic jam, in a circle, for hours on end. Let's make it interesting. Leave the glass in the windows and the Bluetooth radio activated. C'mon Bubba, drive that thang!!!

This isn't *truly fair* either. Different drivers prefer different car handling, some may like it more oversteering, others not, so forcing them to use the exact same car setups will favour some drivers more than others, i.e. not fair. E.g. tennis players have different playing styles and adapt their rackets (weight, head size, strings tension and pattern etc.) to that style. Forcing them to use the same racket wouldn't be fair. Or playing FPS games competitively: some people like their mouse heavier, some lighter, some very sensitive, others less sensitive...

 

[andylawcc]

no one mention shake and bake?

 

[zokudu]

There's a lot that goes into it but the ability to get the car turning well is what makes or breaks a cup race. There's a lot of suspension adjustments that can be made as well as tire pressures and such. The better your car turns the faster it is.



There's also 4 major engine manufacturers, Hendrick, Childress, TRD, and Roush Yates. All of the engines are different. TRD had a huge issue earlier this season where they were by far and away the fastest but blew 20 engines compared to Hendricks 4. They had to slow it down to stop the problem.

 

[Slew Foot]

Restrictor Plates, theyre always the ones at fault

 

[LTC8K6]

Restrictor Plates, theyre always the ones at fault

The plates are only used at Daytona and Talledega, and one time at one other track, I think.

 

[weadjust]

Here's my idea on how to make NASCAR truly FAIR, based soley on driver "skill". Take 30 identical race cars and drivers pick a number out of a hat and that's which car they get.

NASCAR did something similar from 1974 - 2006. It was called the International Race of Champions - IROC series. IROC included drivers from multiple series of racing. NASCAR, Indy, Sprint car, etc. Field of cars was usually around 12 give or take.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Driver skill is probably the biggest factor. There are strict regulations so they cant just "make the car faster". They do have some parameters they are able to tweak though.

Also not just the active driving skill, but strategy such as going to the pit at different times. Some will only change 2 tires at a time, or put a bit less or more gas etc... different ways. The skill of the entire crew is actually important.

I'm not really into Nascar or any sports, but I have been to a Nascar race and I have to say it's actually pretty cool to see it live. I think it's something anyone could enjoy. You don't know the drivers? Just pick a random car and root for it. lol. That's what I did.

 

[who?]

One companies engines ran faster because their connecting rods were underweight. Toyota.