Can the cars in NASCAR be developed and tested during the season?
August 27, 2010 by
Filed under nascar
In Formula 1, additions can be made to cars throughout the season, but there is no in-season testing other than race weekends. Is this the same in NASCAR?
Allan, it was a serious question about in-season testing regulations. It was not a criticism of the technology. So, run along back to F1 please…
OK guys. I did just want to know the regulations for NASCAR in-season testing, so thanks for answering that.
Allan, after being rather cheeky about the testing, in your edit you have raised some very interesting mechanical issues. I would like to know anyone’s thoughts on your points.
The Nascar teams can test but cannot test on tracks that they race on. Development is allowed within the rules.
Allan………… You are only showing your ignorance regarding Nascar technology. Ask one of the many former F-1 engineers working for Nascar teams about the technology. They are amazed at the detail and finesse it takes to develop more than 900 bhp from the specs that Nascar requires. The engineering is different but no less technical or challenging. Which is harder, designing a new fuel injection system to add 25 more bhp for next year or coming up with another 25bhp for next year using essentially the same design?
Edit..Allan, I will not continue to discuss something that you obviously know absolutely nothing about.
Nascar stock cars (and trucks) are always in a constant state of development. In the time it takes to go out and have lunch, something has changed on a Cup car. Testing can only be done at race tracks that don’t have Nascar events.
No and yes. They CAN be tested and only on non-sanctioned Nascar tracks. Meaning tracks they DONT race on during the season. So like, Rockingham, they can TEST there. Develop cars is somehting they cannot do. They can make notes about possible developments for the next season that will be done during the off season. So to sum it up, Yes you can test but No you cannot develop the car DURING the season. Hope i was of some help.
You can as long as ur not changing things that are set in the rules, but since so much time is used preparing for races, most testing is done during the off season
What is there to test that’s not been tested? The technology hasn’t moved on since the ’50’s ffs.
I can see it now… hey thare Jim Bob lets test this new fangled push rod V8, golly gee Billy Rae that’s the same motor that’s in ma grampy’s truck! Ok lets have a look at this 4 speed box, golly gee Billy Rae I heard dem Europians have better on thar lawnmower machines!
Dem Eurropians are tha devils work Jim Bob!
Edit, Beth, NASCAR technology? don’t make me laugh, more than 900bhp i’m laughing again, try 750 and maybe your nose will stop growing! either way its a pathetic power output for such a huge motor, F1 engines less than a quarter of that size were producing 1300bhp in the 1980s!
And Win, I did answer your question, my point is, in a sport that’s not advanced in 60 years what on earth can there be left to test? Find an old truck engine, bolt it to a basic chassis, rivet some aluminum panels on it and yee haa lets go NARSCAR racing! SIMPLES
Edit, Whos a stroppy little Beth? Since I know so little, why don’t you educate me with your obvious wealth of engineering and mechanical knowledge?
Perhaps you could start my education by answering the following;
1. Whats the thinking behind using push rods rather than overhead cams?
2. Why persist in using carburettors rather than fuel injection, after all its been the best part of 20 years since you could buy a carburattor equipped road car.
3. If its about tradition or cost cutting, why not revert to side valve engines?
4. Whats your views on monocoque construction techniques, in comparison to space frame or ladder chassis?
5. Is a NASCAR gearbox mounted as a trans-axle? if not would a trans-axle benefit the cars handling?
6. Wouldn’t 4 valve per cylinder heads beneficial over the current 2 valve heads?
7. Do NASCAR engines run a dry sump oil system?
8. Is the engine ignition controlled mechanically or with electronics?
There you go some nice simple questions and nothing related to F1 or the 21st century, ’cause that might scare you. Hope you can help me out… thanks in advance. Allan x
They are always being tested, that’s what practice is for.
As far as development goes, development is a non-stop, ongoing process, but the applied changes cannot be used without the approval from NASCAR. Safety features may be implemented upon creation. Also teams may apply their own advances in performance, as long as they stay within the guidelines handed down by NASCAR. Conceptual changes usually are introduced anytime also, but will be offered for every organization as a change in the sport
no