4 ms·
So NASCAR runs on enough of a variety of tracks that there are (very, very generally) three modes of running: 1) Reduce drag to the bare minimum. The cars can
by joncrane 7y ago
So NASCAR runs on enough of a variety of tracks that there are (very, very generally) three modes of running:
1) Reduce drag to the bare minimum. The cars can still grip, even when trimmed out all the way (Daytona, Talladega)
2) Downforce is king! I don't care if I'm 10MPH slower on the end of the straight if my mid-corner speed is 15 MPH higher (pretty much all "intermediate" (1-2 mile) tracks (this is the vast majority of tracks)
3) Aerodynamics are irrelevant (Short tracks like Bristol and Martinsville)
So there's not just one goal a NASCAR builder is optimizing for. You generally have to make compromises to win a championship.
- nonford150 7y agoOne other thing to remember is the aero cars come out right after NASCAR ended much of their short track program. In that era more short tracks were run than superspeedways.