The first step in understanding NASCAR is to gain a knowledge of the different types of race tracks in the sport. There are four primary types of tracks within the sport and drivers prepare for each type of track differently. With the Daytona 500 race approaching next Sunday, I will use today's blog to help everyone understand superspeedway race tracks and the variety of unique details defining this style of racing.
A superspeedway is the largest and fastest track raced on in the sport. Superspeedways are so fast that they require race cars to be equipped with a restrictor plate. Restrictor plates reduce the amount of airflow to the engine, which then restricts the speed of the car. This is also one of the reasons that superspeedway racing is so exciting. Since the race cars are restricted to a certain speed, drivers are constantly looking for alternative ways to gain speed and they accomplish this by drafting.
Drafting is the most popular way to gain momentum and speed on a superspeedway. Drafting is accomplished by linking up with a car either in front of or behind you. The car in the front starts an aerodynamic flow of air which carries to the backside of the car. When the car in the rear gets within a certain distance behind the front car, it enters the flow of air and the flow streams directly over this car. This stops the downdraft on the back of the front car which normally slows them down. This allows both cars to travel at a much higher speed and together they can pass other cars on the race track.
This also begins to demonstrate the importance of teamwork in the sport, especially at a superspeedway. Cars can strategically work together on these types of tracks by starting and stopping airflows with different cars to gain positions and make their way to the front running position. It is also the reason for multiple wrecks on these types of tracks as drivers nearing the end of a race start swapping locations rapidly to quickly get into first place. They commonly wreck each other by trying to block cars from working in different drafts with other cars to pass. This is also a style of racing where drivers carry emotions from track to track which increases the intensity of superspeedway racing throughout the season.
Superspeedway racing is one of the most exciting styles of racing in the sport today. Cars spend 3 to 4 hours racing inches apart from each other at 190 mph. No other motorsport host a style of racing at this speed which is so aggressive and dangerous. Setting up a race car at the beginning of a race and running test during the offseason in wind tunnels, help to produce the fastest stock cars in the world. Make sure to tune into the race on Sunday, February 14th, to learn even more details about superspeedway racing!
