Instructional Video
National Science Foundation

National Science Foundation: Science of Speed: Grip

9th - 10th
Success in auto racing depends on the grip of a car's tires. Grip is the frictional force that holds the tires on the track. Aerodynamic features of a car also improve a car's grip. [5:02]
Instructional Video
National Science Foundation

National Science Foundation: Science of Speed: Load Transfer

9th - 10th
The corners of a NASCAR track are divided into three parts because the car's grip changes in different parts of the turn. A race crew must try to minimize load transfer by making adjustments based on a car's centre of gravity. [5:05]
Instructional Video
National Science Foundation

National Science Foundation: Science of Speed: Tires and Pressure

9th - 10th
Tires on a car in a NASCAR race are filled with nitrogen. The force of friction increases tire pressure as the car goes around the track. Using dry nitrogen gas helps with predicting the temperature and pressure of a tire during a race....
Instructional Video
National Science Foundation

National Science Foundation: Science of Speed: Balance

9th - 10th
Getting the right balance in a race car is difficult because the weight of the fuel changes as the fuel burns off, and the tires wear down during each green-flag run. [5:16]