RACE DAY RUNDOWN
Behind the scenes
Gearing up for the race
Team Strategy Meetings
A driver is nothing without their team and it’s crucial that everyone on race day is on the same page. You’ll notice that racing is not just about being the fastest, it’s a game of playing smart too. Teams come together to discuss their race strategy plans and any changes that may change the outcome of a race. For example, elements such as weather/winds, track type, competitors, and more can cause major shifts to a team’s strategy plan.
In Figure 1 on the right, you’ll see how most teams organize their strategy by discussing these important aspects of a race. A team and their driver have to be prepared for things to change mid-race. By having these meetings, they ensure they cover all the bases of what could go wrong and how to get the best advantage.
Pit crew basics
Earnhardt Jr.
Tire degradation
Temperatures
racing in the drivers seat
As drivers speed up and race, track temperatures rise quickly, playing an important role in tire degradation rates. Keep in mind that tracks can also heat up from the weather on the day of the race. This is why strategy meetings the day of are important, so teams can assess weather factors into their strategy.
In the figure on the right, we can see that as the race goes on and temperatures on the track begin to climb to higher rates, the amount of laps a driver can complete with the same tires begins to lessen. This means that the frequency of pit stops will increase because the driver will not be able to complete as many laps without blistering their tires. While keeping this in mind, teams must discuss their plan before the race as well as the risks they are willing to take regarding pit stops in order to increase their overall winning advantage.
High Speed Turns
A G is unit of acceleration that is used to described a significant amount of force. Drivers experience up to 3 G’s of acceleration when doing high speed turns. To put this into perspective, when you experience 3 G’s, the force is similar to your weight x the number of G’s you are experiencing. For example, if a racer weighs around 180 lbs, they would experience about 540 lbs of pressure. In the figure below, you’ll see that a car
into the finish line
Victory lane
After crossing the finish line, NASCAR drivers celebrate with a few iconic rituals that have become part of the sport’s culture. They participate in a burnout, where drivers often rev their engines and spin their tires to create smoke, celebrating their victory right on the track while fans cheer. Then, they drive to Victory Lane, where the true celebration kicks off. Once there, team members and fans gather around to greet the driver, congratulating them and savoring the win together.
In Victory Lane, the winning driver takes part in the traditional champagne spray, shaking and spraying bottles to celebrate with the crew, sponsors, and other supporters. This celebration is a hard-earned release after hours of intense competition, marking the culmination of teamwork and skill on the track as well as a shared victory for the crew and driver.
Purse money distributions
NASCAR championship races feature substantial prize pools, such as the $11.7 million purse for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Championship.
However, the exact earnings for drivers are not publicly disclosed because the prize money is distributed to the winning team, not just to the driver. The team then allocates the funds according to contractual agreements. The distribution ensures that not only the driver but also the crew, team engineers, and other essential personnel benefit from the success, highlighting the team-oriented nature of NASCAR racing.
With all that money at stake in the world of competitive racing, it’s no wonder why there are so many Americans tuning into all the action both in person at the events, as well as on TV.
Looking forward
Beyond the checkered flag
Racing forward with innovation, inclusion, and sustainability— NASCAR’s future is as dynamic as the sport itself.
Diversity initiatives
NASCAR has intensified efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the sport. Their Drive for Diversity Program offers training and opportunities to drivers and pit crew members from diverse backgrounds.
The NASCAR Diversity Internship Program, established in 2000, has provided over 500 college students with industry experience, fostering a more inclusive workforce.
technicological advancements
In 2022, NASCAR introduced the Next Gen car, marking a pivotal shift in vehicle design and technology. The Next Gen car also aims to reduce costs and attract new manufacturers by standardizing parts.
Looking ahead, NASCAR is exploring electrification. In July 2024, the organization unveiled an all-electric prototype race car, developed in partnership with ABB.
rule changes & new tracks
NASCAR continually updates its rules to enhance competition and safety. For the 2022 season, officials set a baseline of 670 horsepower and a 4-inch rear spoiler for most tracks, aiming to balance speed and control.
The sport has also expanded its schedule to include new venues, such as the addition of street courses and dirt tracks, providing diverse racing experiences and engaging a broader audience.
Thank you for exploring NASCAR with us—where history meets
Photo of NASCAR’s Internship Program in 2022