Walid Matar

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NASCAR Aerodynamics
At the high speeds at which NASCAR vehicles travel, air drag becomes a vital design factor; the association's strict rules call for high similarity between all race cars. To overcome such large force, large engine power output is necessary. To use the air advantageously, the cars are designed to exhibit large downward forces to assist in stabilization and higher cornering speeds. To emphasize the importance of aerodynamic efficiency, a mere decrease of 0.007 in the coefficient of drag at 200 mph can raise the speed of the vehicle by 1 mph. Power is the product of force and velocity. Since the calculations of the drag force involve the square of the velocity, the drag power is proportional to the velocity raised to the third power. Small variation in the speed can have huge effects on performance. Furthermore, a NASCAR vehicle attains a rear wing and a front air dam splitter. Aerodynamically, the rear wing is incorporated to reduce the turbulent air behind the car. The pressure drop behind the car causes a considerable resistive force opposing the direction of motion. The wing also adjusts to control the downward force generated on the rear by the flowing air. The air splitter helps in directing such force in the front of the car. Also, recent regulatory modifications enforced the lowering of the front air dams in race cars. This reduced the amount of air going under the car, and increased the negative lift exhibited by the vehicle. All manufacturers' vehicles, including GM's Monte Carlo, feature rails through the top side of the car and roof flaps to control the flow of the air. This is mainly for safety purposes to prevent the car from spinning or going airborne. Another major area of interest to drivers is drafting. By positioning a car very close behind another, a driver can take advantage of the pressure drop caused by it. It increases speed for both cars while reducing the consumption of fuel. The car in front also benefits due to the low pressure air behind it being reduced. NASCAR is aiming to reduce aerodynamic advantages in future cars. For example, the windshield in the Car of Tomorrow is built at a steeper angle, which increases the area of resistance.

REFERENCES "Nascar Aerodynamics: Monte Carlo SS Race with the Wind." 15 Apr. 2007 <http://www.gm.com/company/racing/technology/aeroLab_nhr.htm>. "Overview of Racecar Aerodynamics." 15 Apr. 2007 <http://media.ford.com/newsroom/release_display.cfm?release=1471>.

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