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Usually ships in 1 business days | | | | | | Every NASCAR fan – at one time or another – asks the same question: Why isn’t my favorite driver winning? This is your chance to discover how much more there is to NASCAR than “Go fast, turn left and don’t crash.” If you’ve ever wondered why racecars don’t have mufflers, how “bump drafting” works, or what in the world “Let’s go up a pound on the right rear and add half a round of wedge” means, The Physics of NASCAR is for you.
In this fast-paced investigation into the adrenaline-pumping world of NASCAR, a physicist with a passion uncovers what happens when the rubber hits the road and 800- horsepower vehicles compete at 190 miles per hour only inches from one another.
Diandra Leslie-Pelecky reveals how and why drivers trust the engineering and science their teams literally build around them not only to get them across the finish line in first place, but also to keep them alive. Professor Leslie-Pelecky is a physicist in love with the sport’s beauty and power and is uniquely qualified to explain exactly how physics translates into winning races.
Based on the author’s extensive access to race shops, pit crews, crew chiefs and mechanics, this book traces the life cycle of a race car from behind the scenes at top race shops to the track. The Physics of NASCAR takes readers right into the ultra competitive world of NASCAR, from the champion driver’s hot seat behind the detachable steering wheel to the New Zealander nicknamed Kiwi in charge of shocks for the No. 19 car.
Diandra Leslie-Pelecky tells her story in terms anyone who drives a car--and maybe occasionally looks under the hood--can understand. How do drivers walk away from serious crashes? How can two cars travel faster together than either car can on its own? How do you dress for a 1800°F gasoline fire? In simple yet detailed, high-octane prose, this is the ultimate thrill ride for armchair speed demons, auto science buffs, and NASCAR fans at every level of interest.
Readers, start your engines. | | | |
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| | Product Details | | Author: | Diandra Leslie-Pelecky | | Hardcover: | 286 pages | | Publisher: | Dutton Adult | | Publication Date: | February 14, 2008 | | Language: | English | | ISBN: | 0525950532 | | Package Length: | 8.9 inches | | Package Width: | 6.1 inches | | Package Height: | 1.8 inches | | Package Weight: | 1.15 pounds | | Average Customer Rating: |  based on 26 reviews |
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 Physics lessons + NASCAR = fun! Sep 16, 2008
A physics teacher gives us some remedial physics lessons in "The Physics of NASCAR". She covers areas that you would expect, such as force and intertia, but goes on to cover the color spectrum and even some baxic metallurgy. The physics lessons are fairly simple. I did get some reminders of things I had forgotten and even some new information but I also learned a lot about how NASCAR works too. The book is very interesting on both fronts. Nothing too challenging. A very enjoyable read.
not bad for a physics / racing book Sep 10, 2008
Very readable, but as a racing fan and a physics teacher of 30+ years, I thought it could have been done better. I'm going to give it to my son, and NASCAR buff / one year of physics, to see what he thinks of it.
 The best book I've ever read on Physics in regards to racing. Aug 04, 2008
The author take us on a field trip with a NASCAR race team; including her own "test drive" on a track at high speed. Into the labs, pits and minds of the crews who help bring the exciting sport of NASCAR Racing alive. Designing the intricate cage that the driver sits in. The physics of motion, heat, liquids, air, molecules. Interviews and on-site observations with the "engineers" working on different parts of the engine and chassis.
I loved the way in which the author explained in scientific, yet laymans terms, the workings of a car during a race. Valves, fuel, exhaust, shocks, ventilation, even the importance of the paint job and the "wrapping" of decals on the body and how they affect the aerodynamics of the car in motion. These "Good Old Boys" are as smart as they are witty.
You'll learn the effects of banking angles or degrees on different tracks. How the smallest adjustments to tires, shocks, control arms helps or hinders cornering performance at high speed.
The safety factors for the drivers that have progressed through the years; suits, helmets, Nomex gloves, body restraints, ventilation, etc. A myriad of subjects within subjects. Top notch information for any NASCAR or Physics fan. This is one class that won't bore you or put you to sleep.
Great for the new or casual NASCAR fan Aug 01, 2008
Great for the fan of NASCAR looking to make more sense of all the mechanics involved. Figuring out how chassis looks, and how the car of today is different from the old car, what makes the engines on NASCAR cars different than a normal car.....
I picked up the book on a saturday night right after the nationwide series, and almost finished it before the sprint cup race on sunday. Perfect timing too, cause then i could understand how the center of gravity shifts the weight in the car of today putting more weight on the front right tires, making the Brickyard 400 more of a heat race than a 400 mile race.
The only thing this book could use more of are pictures and diagrams to support the discussions on engine parts, shocks, spring positions, wedge, swaybar, and a few other spots. That would only make this book more helpful than it already is(in case she plans on updating a physics of nascar vol.2 edition)
Great book! Thanks Dr. Leslie-Pelecky for putting together a "NASCAR engineering for dummies" book!
2 of 4 found the following review helpful:
 Misleading title Jul 31, 2008
The five star reviews stunned me... I did expect a lot of science (specially in Physics) but no way,
a lot of inside NASCAR reporting yes and that is 5 star... but science!!! don't make me laugh.
My expectations wasn't of that level as "race car vehicle dynamics" from Milliken but this bad.. I am sorry.
In one sentence she start about wheel alignment Toe in, Camber , Caster.... but then she don't tell you why
and jump on the next subject.... how the faces look of the crew members in a bad situation.
Fun to read as you looking for a inside look, but there is no news on Physics, Technique, or Science in this book.
Not worth the money or the read as you already in racing.
br, Arnoud.
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