DEARBORN, MI, (Apr. 10, 2012) – It may seem strange that on a race track where 43 cars can beat and bang on each other for the better part of three hours that the one thing nobody can see sometimes makes the most difference in who gets across the finish line first.
Yet that’s the case almost every week in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series as the air that gets buffeted around from stock cars whizzing around at close to 200 miles an hour provides grip and speed for the one in front while those stuck in the pack struggle to overcome its turbulent force.
That’s why when it came time to start designing the 2013 NASCAR Fusion stock car that will compete next season, aerodynamics was paramount to its development.
Michigan, Pocono, Dover, New Hampshire on the docket; 20 teams to participate
AKRON, Ohio — Amid the spring racing season, the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has set an aggressive schedule of tire tests at NASCAR tracks. Beginning next week at Michigan International Speedway, Goodyear will hold four tests in a six-week stretch.
Two of the tracks at which Goodyear will test — Michigan and Pocono Raceway — will have new surfaces for 2012, thus the immediate need for tests. The other two tracks — Dover International Speedway and New Hampshire Motor Speedway — have been designated as tracks where Goodyear continues to incorporate feedback and stay attuned with advancements NASCAR teams continue to make.
SHOW #188 – We introduce a new show name, new sound, and new co-host for the coming 2012 NASCAR season. Plus we have a chat with Richard Childress Racing Nationwide Series driver Austin Dillon. Hosted by Kerry Murphey and Toby Christie (About 44 mins)
SHOW #187 – We recap the Preseason Thunder Daytona Testing sessions and discuss the latest news stories. Hosted by Kerry Murphey and Paul Northrop (About 45 mins)
Day Three: NASCAR Preseason Thunder At Daytona International Speedway
NASCAR And Teams Continue Data Collection On Final Day Of Testing
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 14, 2012) — As the final day of Preseason Thunder wrapped, there was certainly no shortage of information NASCAR and the teams gathered during this three-day test as speeds continued to stand close to the 200-mph mark.
Kasey Kahne led the morning session with a speed of 201.545 mph, with Hendrick Motorsports teammates Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Jimmie Johnson also posting times near the top of the charts.
Day Two: NASCAR Preseason Thunder At Daytona International Speedway
Second Day Features Adjustments To Rules Package
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 13, 2012) — As with any test, especially one as important as 2012 Preseason Thunder at Daytona, getting it right and being open to make adjustments is key.
After the late afternoon practice session on Thursday, NASCAR announced changes for today’s test session with an increase in the diameter of restrictor-plate openings from 1/32nd of an inch to 15/16ths inches, adding an estimated 26 horsepower to the engines.
In addition, they lowered the pressure relief valve settings from 30 pounds per square inch to 25 psi and narrowed the grille openings of the cars, thereby decreasing airflow to the engine. Both measures were designed to decrease the number of laps one car can push another without overheating.
The Final Lap with Kerry Murphey featuring NASCAR News, Rumors, Opinions, Interviews, and more. Check out our nationally syndicated Radio Shows, free NASCAR Podcasts, and Videos
Day Three: NASCAR Preseason Thunder At Daytona International Speedway
Day Two: NASCAR Preseason Thunder At Daytona International Speedway
