Thursday, June 25, 2009

TIRES AND RACING







Racing "slicks" are very different than your treaded car tires. On a typical race weekend, a Cup Series team will use between nine and 14 sets of tires depending upon the length of the race and type of track. By comparison, an average set of street tires gets replaced approximately every three years. Racing tire specifications also differ from race to race depending upon the degree of track banking and type of racing surface (asphalt, concrete, or mixture of both). Goodyear uses about 18 different types of tires to cover the needs of teams during the course of a racing season. RACE TIRE SAFETY Like a "tire-within-a-tire," the Goodyear Lifeguard Inner Liner Safety Spare allows the car to return to the pits in the event of a flat.



TIRES IN NASCAR Few factors play a more critical role in a NASCAR race than tires. Inflation pressures, tire wear and tire balance can all have a tremendous effect on a car's performance.
Racing "slicks" are very different than your treaded car tires.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

NASCAR SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY

NASCAR Substance Abuse News and RulesAmong the substances NASCAR crews must be tested for are:- Seven different amphetamines, including methamphetamine and PMA, a synthetic psychostimulant and hallucinogen.- Three drugs classified under ephedrine.- 13 different narcotics, including codeine and morphine.- Ten different benzodiazepines and barbituates.- Marijuana, cocaine, zolpidem, nitrites, chromates and drugs that can increase specific gravity.(the crews include - pit crew members, including "over-the-wall" crew members, the crew chief, car chief, team members responsible for tires, fuel and pit crew operation, spotters and race-day support personnel that includes engineers, engine tuners, shock specialists, chassis specialists and tire specialists). No such list exists for the driversNASCAR Substance Abuse PolicyCompetitors are asked to take a drug test if there is "reasonable suspicion."Anyone who obtains any kind of NASCAR license must sign an "authorization for testing and release" waiver each season.NASCAR can ask for samples of urine, blood, saliva, hair or breath tests if "reasonable suspicion" of drug use has been established.A number of NASCAR officials are trained to take and seal samples for testing, and all are versed in detecting signs of impairment.NASCAR encourages "whistle blowing" among its competitors to help police its substance abuse policy.NASCAR reserves the right to suspend a competitor based on a conviction for driving a passenger vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or a drug-related conviction.Competitors and officials are prohibited from consuming alcohol prior to or during a race.If a person fails a drug test and wants to return to racing, he or she must submit to a series of spot testing. The person being tested must pay for the examinations.If an individual is reinstated, NASCAR reserves the right to randomly test that individual.NASCAR does not recommend specific rehabilitation programs but strongly encourages self-help and treatment for those afflicted with a drug problem or alcohol abuse.


Saturday, June 6, 2009

IMPOUND RULES WHEN IN FORCE

Following qualifying for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series event, the cars will be escorted to their respective garage stalls by a NASCAR Official (with the exception of the top five cars, which will be placed in a designated area for post-qualifying inspection). Once the car is pushed to the garage stall, only two crew members will be allowed to remain in the garage. The following work list will be allowed:
Shut off electrical switches and master power switch;
Remove radio;
Check air pressure in tires;
Cover the car; and,
Crewmembers exit garage and garage doors close.
Pit road selection will be immediately after the last car has qualified.
Procedure for race day for NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series teams:
Garage StallA maximum of two (2) crew members per car, accompanied by a NASCAR Official, will be allowed in the garage stall. Below are the procedures that will be completed in the garage stall:
Teams May:
Plug in oil heater (if teams use a generator, it must remain outside the garage);
Open hood;
Prime oil system;
Back car out of garage to start;
Turn master switch on;
Open oil cooler bypass valve (optional);
Start engine;
Close hood;
Set tire pressure;
Torque wheels;
Install radio and water bottle;
Remove or repair tape on front of car (i.e. grille, valance, brake ducts.); and
If applicable, BST or Pi Research may replace equipment batteries under NASCAR supervision.
Teams May NOT:
Enter the garage without a NASCAR Official present;
Jack up any part of the car;
Add water or pressurize the cooling system;
Climb inside the car;
Adjust wedge bolts, shocks or sway bars;
Add fuel, oil or brake fluid;
Remove air box; or
Adjust fenders, spoiler or any body components.
Fuel PumpsA maximum of three (3) crewmembers per car at anytime, escorted by NASCAR Officials, may go to the fuel pumps.
For Tracks 1 mile and under, a maximum of two gallons of fuel will be added. For Tracks 1 1/2 miles, a maximum of three gallons of fuel will be added. For Tracks above 1 1/2 miles, a maximum of four gallons of fuel will be added.
Height PlatformA maximum of three (3) crewmembers per car at anytime, accompanied by NASCAR Officials, may escort the respective car to the height platform.
You May:
Adjust front and rear wedge bolts:
A maximum of one (1) turn for front bolts.
A maximum of 1 1/2 turn for rear bolts.
Adjust track bar at frame end adjuster.
No maximum on track bar adjustment.
Adjust external shock bleeds.
You May NOT:
Change any components.
Add spring inserts.
ScalesA maximum of three (3) crewmembers per car at anytime, accompanied by NASCAR Officials, may escort the respective car to the scales.
Any car that does not meet required weight specifications may be subject to penalty. After completion, the generator will be reconnected to the car and pushed to pit road. Generators will be permitted out on pit road with the car.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

NASCAR SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY

NASCAR Substance Abuse News and Rules
Among the substances NASCAR crews must be tested for are:- Seven different amphetamines, including methamphetamine and PMA, a synthetic psychostimulant and hallucinogen.- Three drugs classified under ephedrine.- 13 different narcotics, including codeine and morphine.- Ten different benzodiazepines and barbituates.- Marijuana, cocaine, zolpidem, nitrites, chromates and drugs that can increase specific gravity.(the crews include - pit crew members, including "over-the-wall" crew members, the crew chief, car chief, team members responsible for tires, fuel and pit crew operation, spotters and race-day support personnel that includes engineers, engine tuners, shock specialists, chassis specialists and tire specialists). No such list exists for the driversNASCAR Substance Abuse Policy
Competitors are asked to take a drug test if there is "reasonable suspicion."
Anyone who obtains any kind of NASCAR license must sign an "authorization for testing and release" waiver each season.
NASCAR can ask for samples of urine, blood, saliva, hair or breath tests if "reasonable suspicion" of drug use has been established.
A number of NASCAR officials are trained to take and seal samples for testing, and all are versed in detecting signs of impairment.
NASCAR encourages "whistle blowing" among its competitors to help police its substance abuse policy.
NASCAR reserves the right to suspend a competitor based on a conviction for driving a passenger vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or a drug-related conviction.
Competitors and officials are prohibited from consuming alcohol prior to or during a race.
If a person fails a drug test and wants to return to racing, he or she must submit to a series of spot testing. The person being tested must pay for the examinations.
If an individual is reinstated, NASCAR reserves the right to randomly test that individual.
NASCAR does not recommend specific rehabilitation programs but strongly encourages self-help and treatment for those afflicted with a drug problem or alcohol abuse.